Also known as: Early labor
Regina goes into spontaneous preterm labor at 22 weeks while shopping, progressing rapidly from 4 to 8 centimeters dilation despite interventions. The episode centers on the emotional and medical challenges of delivering a non-viable preterm infant.
Also known as: Premature birth
A 22-week preterm infant born weighing less than 500 grams, below the threshold of viability. The episode follows his parents' hope for a miracle, his baptism, and eventual death after several hours of agonal breathing.
Also known as: Brain attack
A woman suffers a massive stroke (her second, following a previous lacunar infarct) resulting in dense hemiparesis and incompetence to make medical decisions. The case explores end-of-life decision-making and same-sex partner rights when her partner knows her wishes but lacks legal authority.
Also known as: Pneumonia from inhaling vomit
Following her stroke, Glenda develops aspiration pneumonia requiring oxygen support and raising the question of intubation versus comfort care.
Also known as: Kidney failure
A chronic dialysis patient who repeatedly misses treatments presents with complications from missed dialysis. The case explores healthcare system abuse and institutional response when his Medicare HMO has gone bankrupt, leaving the hospital with unpaid claims.
Also known as: Clotted dialysis access
Mr. Fletcher's dialysis access (AV fistula) has clotted off and requires surgical revision to create a new shunt for continued dialysis.
Also known as: Adrenal tumor
A patient with an adrenal tumor causing catecholamine excess, mentioned as Benton challenges the financial administrator about treating patients.
A patient with an abscess around L4 and L5 vertebrae requiring surgical drainage. Romano complains about having limited visualization during the fluoroscopy-guided procedure.
Also known as: Baby stuck during delivery
A delivery complication where the baby's shoulder gets stuck during birth, resulting in a broken clavicle. Abby was paged to manage this case but stayed with the preterm delivery instead.
Also known as: Heroin addiction
Carter is in recovery from opioid addiction and begins his return to work under strict monitoring including mandatory naltrexone, random drug testing, and 90 AA/NA meetings in 90 days. His recovery journey is a central character arc.
Also known as: Alcoholism
Abby reveals she is a recovering alcoholic with five years of sobriety. She attends AA meetings and agrees to temporarily sponsor Carter in his recovery program.