Also known as: GSW to chest
Young man arrives at triage with a gunshot wound to the chest, rapidly deteriorates into cardiac arrest. Despite aggressive resuscitation including thoracotomy, cross-clamping, and prolonged code, he dies after 35 minutes.
Also known as: PPHN
Young woman presents with shortness of breath and low oxygen saturation. Diagnosed with primary pulmonary hypertension via echo showing enlarged heart. Parents refuse to tell her the terminal prognosis until after cardiac catheterization, creating ethical tension with nursing staff.
Also known as: Ruptured triple-A
Patient presents with lower back pain, given pain medication. Later found unconscious and hypotensive from ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. Romano performs emergency bedside vascular repair with manual proximal control of the aorta.
Dr. Kovac returns from the Congo with malaria, is hospitalized upstairs. Still spiking fevers on quinine but lucid between episodes. This drives his return to the hospital and reconnection with other characters.
Also known as: Severe asthma attack
Patient with severe asthma exacerbation develops ventricular tachycardia after medical student administers excessive dose of epinephrine (1mg instead of 0.3mg). Successfully cardioverted.
Also known as: Broken jaw
Patient with unstable mandible fracture requiring consultation with Plastics or Head and Neck surgery. Used as teaching case for new resident about managing consults.
Also known as: Early labor
Pregnant patient at 36 weeks gestation presents with contractions and ruptured membranes. Reassured that 36 weeks is considered normal term. Requires fetal monitoring and OB consultation.
Also known as: Arm caught in machine/industrial accident
Dr. Romano continues to adapt to his prosthetic arm after losing his arm in a helicopter accident. Battles with insurance over getting a myoelectric prosthesis versus a hook. His disability affects his surgical abilities and creates ongoing workplace conflict.