Also known as: Surgical bleeding complication
Mr. Simms developed a hematoma after Dr. Cox accidentally nicked his intercostal artery during an open-lung biopsy. This drives a major karmic storyline as Dr. Cox initially considers hiding the mistake to avoid a lawsuit, but ultimately confesses to the patient, representing the episode's central theme about karma and doing the right thing.
Also known as: Ruptured spleen
Mr. Foster presents with a splenic laceration discovered on CAT scan after a car accident caused by a golf ball hitting his windshield. This patient directly connects to the main karmic storyline, as JD and Turk believe their roof golfing caused the accident.
Also known as: Stalled labor
Jordan goes into labor and delivers Dr. Cox's baby after her water breaks at the hospital. The labor and delivery process is central to the episode's emotional arc, particularly regarding Dr. Cox's attempt to care for Jordan and her eventual revelation that he is the baby's father.