Also known as: Cold exposure
An abandoned newborn infant is brought to the ER suffering from hypothermia (temp 35.7°C) and severe dehydration. The case drives investigation into child abandonment and reveals the mother later in the episode.
Also known as: Low sodium
The abandoned infant has critically low sodium (115) from diluted formula, causing seizures. Treatment involves careful correction with hypertonic saline to avoid brain damage from too-rapid correction.
Also known as: Brain death
A teenage boy is brain dead following a bicycle accident. The episode centers on convincing his grandmother to consent to organ donation, with confirmation via CBF study showing no brain blood flow.
Also known as: Kidney failure
Carter is awaiting kidney transplant after developing end-stage renal disease. He experiences complications with elevated potassium and requires careful fluid management before receiving a cadaveric kidney transplant.
Also known as: Kidney infection
An 84-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis presents with fever and vomiting from a urinary tract infection that spread to her kidneys. Her husband refuses hospital admission, preferring home care despite risks.
Also known as: MS
An elderly patient has advanced MS with severe disability, affecting her ability to speak and hold her head up. This chronic condition complicates her acute infection treatment.
Also known as: Heart failure
A 36-year-old woman is on ECMO awaiting heart transplant. She successfully receives a donor heart from the brain-dead teenager, though the surgery is complicated by limited atrial cuff and time constraints.
Also known as: Fluid in the lungs
Carter develops pulmonary edema related to his renal failure, requiring monitoring and clearing before his kidney transplant can proceed safely.
Also known as: Blood clot in kidney artery
During Carter's kidney transplant surgery, an arterial thrombosis develops, obstructing blood flow to the new kidney. The surgical team must quickly remove the clot and revise the anastomosis.
Also known as: Heart valve infection
A case of endocarditis in an IV drug user is mentioned as having been missed initially by a resident, creating concern about clinical judgment and evaluation timing.
Also known as: Baby blues (severe form)
The young mother who abandoned her baby likely suffers from postpartum depression, contributing to her inability to care for the infant. Banfield suggests support groups and treatment.