ER — NBC

Season 13, Episode 18

11 medical diagnoses portrayed

Also known as: Cancer of the esophagus

G-tube blockage

End-stage esophageal cancer patient under hospice care presents with blocked G-tube requiring replacement. Patient defies prognosis, living three months past initial three-week estimate.

ER — S13E18Patient: Alfred Gower

Dehydrationsupporting

Also known as: Severe dehydration

Syncope

Young woman faints at tanning salon after inadequate nutrition (diet soda and two saltines). Treated with IV fluids and lectured about tanning risks.

ER — S13E18

Pelvic fracturemajor

Also known as: Broken pelvis

HemorrhageHemorrhagic shockSacroiliac joint disruption

Pediatric patient in motor vehicle crash with severely unstable pelvic fracture causing massive internal bleeding. Requires IO access above fracture site, factor 7-A, cell saver, and consideration for angiography and surgery.

ER — S13E18Patient: Corey Hales

Flail chestmajor

Also known as: Multiple broken ribs on both sides

HemopneumothoraxRespiratory distressHypoxia

Unrestrained passenger in motor vehicle crash with severe chest trauma causing paradoxical chest movement and respiratory compromise requiring multiple chest tubes.

ER — S13E18Patient: Mary Marchak

Cardiac contusionmajor

Also known as: Bruised heart

Ventricular lacerationCardiac arrestVentricular fibrillationCoagulopathyDeath

Blunt cardiac injury from motor vehicle crash leading to ventricular defect requiring emergency thoracotomy in ER. Despite surgical repair, patient develops pump failure and dies from injuries.

ER — S13E18Patient: Mary Marchak

Hemopneumothoraxmajor

Also known as: Blood and air in chest cavity

HypoxiaHemorrhage

Left-sided hemopneumothorax requiring multiple chest tubes and emergency thoracotomy. Complicated by ongoing pulmonary bleeding contributing to death.

ER — S13E18Patient: Mary Marchak

Lacerationsupporting

Also known as: Cut

Truck driver with deep lacerations and abdominal pain from jackknifed truck accident. Stable vitals requiring surgical evaluation.

ER — S13E18Patient: Derek Marchak

Acute pancreatitissupporting

Patient requiring orthostatics, NG tube placement, and repeat blood gas monitoring.

ER — S13E18

Ovarian cancersupporting

Also known as: Ovarian cancer

Photographer documenting hospice patients who is herself in treatment for third recurrence of stage four ovarian cancer. Undergoing chemotherapy with two sessions remaining.

ER — S13E18Patient: Diana Moore

Sinusitissupporting

Also known as: Sinus infection

Flight paramedic concerned about potential 9/11 exposure-related illness found to have sinusitis on workup. Treated with azithromycin and Pulmicort inhaler.

ER — S13E18Patient: Flight paramedic (unnamed)

Ascitessupporting

Also known as: Abdominal fluid buildup

Patient requiring paracentesis procedure performed by medical student under Gates' supervision.

ER — S13E18