Also known as: High blood pressure during pregnancy
Emily Wendal, a drug-addicted woman with a history of multiple pregnancies, presents with hypertension and early labor at 37 weeks. She has a history of preeclampsia and her current pregnancy is complicated by her substance abuse history.
Also known as: Heroin addiction
Emily has a chronic drug addiction with multiple failed attempts at rehabilitation. Her substance abuse has resulted in four previous children with serious disabilities and one neonatal death. The episode centers on the ethical dilemma of whether to sterilize her without proper consent.
Also known as: Severe obesity
Justin, a teenage patient, has gained 282 pounds over three years, bringing serious health complications. The weight gain is later revealed to be intentional self-protection from ongoing sexual abuse by his mother.
Also known as: Type 2 diabetes
Justin's diabetes is poorly controlled due to his extreme weight gain and poor dietary compliance. He experiences a dangerous blood sugar spike that causes dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities.
Also known as: Diabetic emergency
Justin experiences a life-threatening spike in blood sugar causing profound dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and altered consciousness requiring emergency treatment.
Also known as: PTSD
Charlotte exhibits clear signs of PTSD following her rape, including speaking only in clichés, forced cheerfulness, and inability to connect emotionally with Cooper. She refuses to allow physical intimacy and struggles to process the trauma.
Also known as: Sexual abuse
Justin reveals he has been sexually abused by his mother, and his extreme weight gain was a deliberate attempt to make himself unattractive and protect himself from further abuse. This revelation drives the major emotional arc of the episode.