Also known as: Brain tumor
Patrick, a 14-year-old piano prodigy, has a brain tumor in the motor strip controlling hand function. The episode revolves around the difficult choice between a safer surgery that would end his piano career or a riskier awake craniotomy that preserves hand function but risks leg paralysis. During surgery, he experiences a brain hemorrhage requiring evacuation of a hematoma.
Also known as: Complete heart block
Pete's estranged mother Frances presents with severe cardiac arrhythmia (third-degree heart block) requiring emergency temporary pacemaker placement. Her condition was intentionally worsened by digoxin poisoning orchestrated to secure compassionate prison release.
Also known as: CHF
Frances has progressive congestive heart failure that developed while in prison. Combined with digoxin toxicity, her heart sustains extensive damage leading to borderline cardiogenic shock. She ultimately dies from her cardiac condition, providing the emotional climax as Pete reconciles with her before her death.
Also known as: Digoxin overdose
Pete's brother Adam intentionally poisoned Frances with digoxin pills to worsen her cardiac symptoms and secure her compassionate release from prison. The toxicity directly causes her life-threatening arrhythmia and contributes to her ultimate cardiac death.
Also known as: Abruption
Casey, one of the pregnant teenagers in the pregnancy pact storyline, experiences acute abdominal pain and internal bleeding requiring emergency delivery. This medical crisis serves as a reality check for the other pregnant teens about the dangers and responsibilities of pregnancy.
Also known as: A-V dissociation
Pete notes Frances has A-V dissociation as part of her presenting cardiac rhythm disturbances before she progresses to complete heart block.