Also known as: Brain bleed
Ten-month-old infant involved in MVA without car seat restraint, initially discharged after normal exam. Later returned unresponsive and was found to have skull fracture with subdural hematoma requiring emergency neurosurgery. Later revealed the fracture occurred after discharge, suggesting non-accidental trauma.
Also known as: Blood cancer
Twelve-year-old with AML post bone marrow transplant who spiked a fever while attending a concert. Transferred from an inadequately equipped community hospital in unstable condition, went into septic shock during transport, coded, and died despite resuscitation efforts.
Also known as: Life-threatening infection
Neutropenic AML patient developed severe bloodstream infection leading to septic shock, respiratory failure, and ultimately death during transport to County.
Also known as: Rape
Eighteen-year-old prisoner with stab wound who was later found to have been raped in prison, resulting in rectal trauma and bleeding. Patient was extremely traumatized and resistant to treatment. Rape exam revealed he was HIV-positive with AIDS (CD4 < 200).
Also known as: AIDS
Prison rape victim discovered to be HIV-positive with progression to AIDS based on CD4 count below 200, revealed during workup following sexual assault.
Also known as: SVT
Thirty-four-year-old mother of three presented with chest pain, palpitations, and dizziness caused by SVT secondary to methamphetamine use. Successfully converted with adenosine. Patient admitted to using meth obtained from another mother to keep up with demands of work and childcare.
Also known as: Crystal meth use
Working mother using methamphetamine to maintain energy for juggling job and caring for three children, resulting in cardiac complications including SVT and sleep deprivation.
Also known as: Inflamed appendix
Patient with abdominal pain initially discharged by Dr. Kovac against Dr. Corday's recommendation for CT scan. Returned with perforated appendix requiring open laparotomy instead of laparoscopic procedure, highlighting disagreement over diagnostic protocols.
Also known as: Fractured skull
Parietal skull fracture in infant initially missed on exam after MVA, later found on CT after baby became unresponsive. Social work investigation suggested non-accidental trauma occurring after hospital discharge.
Also known as: Knife wound
Prison inmate with stab wound above scapula sustained during altercation, requiring suturing and observation but no major complications.
Also known as: Broken leg
Agitated patient with broken leg requiring sedation with Haldol before orthopedic casting, expressing delusional concerns about harming her baby with drugs.
Also known as: GSW
Suicide attempt by gunshot to the head in elderly blind patient who had previously befriended Dr. Lewis. Patient had DNR status but Lewis attempted resuscitation, creating ethical conflict.