Also known as: PCP overdose
A 32-year-old man high on PCP ran through a water tower and jumped through a plate-glass window, requiring sedation and surgical evaluation for his injuries.
Also known as: Progressive bulbar palsy of childhood
A 13-year-old boy with progressive neuromuscular disease presents in respiratory distress from aspiration pneumonia. The episode centers on his decision to forego mechanical ventilation and die naturally, creating ethical conflict among the staff.
Also known as: Pneumonia from inhaling vomit
Josh develops aspiration pneumonia due to weak respiratory muscles from his underlying neuromuscular disease, leading to respiratory failure that precipitates the end-of-life discussion.
Also known as: Perforated stomach ulcer
A female patient initially worked up for acute porphyria is eventually diagnosed with a perforated peptic ulcer showing air under the diaphragm on x-ray, requiring emergency surgery. The misdiagnosis becomes a teaching moment about not pursuing zebra diagnoses before ruling out common causes.
Also known as: Benzo overdose
A teenage girl presenting with vague, changing complaints (headache, then chest pain) is eventually discovered to have taken an overdose of benzodiazepines in a suicide attempt. She becomes combative, tries to flee, and sustains a head injury when tackled by Sam.
Also known as: Suicide attempt
Heather, a teenager abandoned by her father in Chicago while he moved to New York with his new wife, attempts suicide by overdose. The case highlights failures in recognizing psychiatric emergencies and the importance of screening vulnerable patients.