Also known as: Coronavirus
Bailey's mother Elena is admitted with severe COVID-19 infection complicated by cytokine storm, multi-system organ failure, and atrial fibrillation. Despite initial improvement on experimental treatment, she deteriorates and dies by episode's end, becoming a major focus of Bailey's emotional arc and highlighting racial disparities in COVID outcomes.
Also known as: Coronavirus
Tom Koracick, previously asymptomatic, presents with severe neurological complications from COVID including encephalitis, seizures, disorientation, and delirium. He has a thalamic lesion and becomes critically ill, creating tension with Teddy who cares for him despite their complicated relationship.
Also known as: Pregnancy in the liver with bleeding
Val previously had a right hepatectomy for a rare hepatic ectopic pregnancy. She develops a post-surgical abscess eroding into an artery, causing a pseudoaneurysm and bleeding. Jo performs extensive liver resection to save her life. Val's emotional struggle centers on being separated from her newborn daughter Luna who remains on a ventilator.
Also known as: Early-onset Alzheimer's
Elena Bailey has advanced Alzheimer's disease, which Bailey discusses as her reason for not previously disclosing her mother's condition. The dementia complicates Elena's COVID care and Bailey's end-of-life decision making, as Elena expresses confusion and states she's 'not ready' to die despite being critically ill.
Also known as: Trach
Jackson mentions performing 11 tracheostomies this week on long-term COVID ventilator patients, with a 12th scheduled. This represents the ongoing critical care burden of the pandemic and the need for surgical airways in prolonged respiratory failure cases.
Also known as: Childbirth
Jo is recruited to deliver a baby when all OB attendings are occupied. Ms. Elmore (G3P2) arrives fully dilated and delivers quickly. The experience of delivering the baby and witnessing the joy of new parents profoundly affects Jo, leading her to consider changing specialties to OB.