Mr. Thompson presents with abdominal pain and fever. Dr. Reid suspects pancreatitis and orders LFTs and ultrasound. The case becomes central to the episode as it's revealed he's a drug-seeking patient with a history of faking symptoms to obtain painkillers, creating a major conflict about Dr. Reid's clinical judgment versus Dr. Cox's experience.
Also known as: Heroin addiction
Mr. Thompson is ultimately revealed to be drug-seeking, with a history of presenting to the hospital eight years prior with the same complaints and leaving AMA once he received pain medication. This diagnosis drives the central conflict of the episode regarding Dr. Reid's inexperience versus Dr. Cox's clinical wisdom about recognizing drug-seeking behavior.
Also known as: Overdose
Dr. Reid's patient in bed four experiences nausea and vomiting as a result of being given both macrolides and opiates together, which Dr. Cox correctly predicts. This serves as a teaching moment demonstrating Dr. Reid's inexperience with drug interactions.