Also known as: Lupus
Robert Sanders presents with syncope and respiratory distress due to complications from long-standing lupus including dialysis-dependent renal failure and pulmonary edema. His case drives conflict between multiple specialty services and becomes a teaching moment about intern advocacy when specialists refuse to respond on Christmas Eve.
Also known as: Kidney failure
Sanders requires emergency dialysis on Christmas Eve after receiving only partial dialysis the day before due to holiday scheduling. Abby must advocate aggressively and ultimately orders dialysis herself when the renal attending refuses to come in.
Also known as: Blood around the heart
Nine-year-old Harry develops cardiac tamponade after being hit by a car. Carter performs needle pericardiocentesis, but surgical fellow Agbo's attempted pericardial window causes ventricular tachycardia requiring cardioversion before successful drainage.
Also known as: Chest injury
Harry sustains major blunt chest trauma in a hit-and-run accident while living with his homeless family in their car. His injuries include multiple rib fractures leading to cardiac tamponade and hemorrhagic shock requiring emergency intervention.
Also known as: Alzheimer's disease
Chen's father suffers from advanced dementia with sundowning, requiring around-the-clock care. The episode reveals he has been asking Chen to help him die, creating a profound ethical dilemma that drives Chen's storyline and ultimately leads to his death.
Also known as: Choking on candy
Luka performs the Heimlich maneuver on a choking child in a store, saving her life. The mother initially misunderstands and thinks he's attacking her daughter in this brief pre-hospital scene.
Also known as: Drug withdrawal
An IV drug user presents with narcotic withdrawal symptoms. Morris treats him with clonidine and the patient later becomes agitated and violent, requiring sedation and security intervention.
Also known as: Lung infection
A young homeless boy named Rudolfo is treated for pneumonia on Christmas Eve. He's stable enough for oral antibiotics but needs admission for observation and a warm place to stay, highlighting the social dimensions of the holiday ER.