Also known as: Type 2 diabetes
A 12-year-old boy presents in hyperosmolar coma with blood glucose of 980. He was previously seen 5 months ago with gastroenteritis symptoms but his diabetes was missed due to insurance issues and inadequate workup. This case drives a major ethical subplot about medical negligence and the consequences of avoiding proper testing due to insurance concerns.
Also known as: Huntington's disease
A middle-aged man presenting with erratic behavior, temper outbursts, loss of balance, and personality changes is diagnosed with Huntington disease. The episode explores his decision not to tell his daughter Jo about her 50% risk of inheriting the fatal genetic condition, creating significant ethical conflict.
Also known as: Heart attack
A patient develops an acute myocardial infarction after being given bisoprolol (a beta blocker) instead of bisacodyl (a laxative) due to illegible handwriting and failure to check medication labels. This medication error drives a major subplot about medical mistakes and physician responsibility.
Also known as: Kidney failure
A woman on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis is scheduled for kidney transplant but discovers she is 8 weeks pregnant. She must choose between the transplant and keeping the baby, as immunosuppressive drugs would harm the fetus. She chooses the pregnancy.
Also known as: Rhabdo
A transplant candidate's kidney failure was caused by rhabdomyolysis from cocaine use. He tests positive for cocaine on the day of his scheduled transplant and is rejected as a recipient, creating ethical conflict about organ allocation.
A severely disabled girl with Sanfilippo syndrome (a progressive metabolic disorder) presents with pneumonia requiring IV antibiotics. Her legal guardian refuses to consent to a central line, leading to conflict between Weaver and Romano about appropriate care versus futility. Weaver ultimately performs the procedure with emergency consent.
Also known as: Lung infection
Recurrent bacterial pneumonia (previously pseudomonas) in a severely disabled patient with Sanfilippo syndrome, requiring IV antibiotics and central venous access.
Also known as: Pancreatic tumor
Mark's father continues his decline from metastatic pancreatic cancer. He expresses desire to move to a hospice rather than burden Mark, leading to family conflict about end-of-life care planning.