Also known as: Multiple broken ribs on both sides
Rigger from Pitfest who sustains multiple rib fractures when a speaker tower collapses on him. The case drives significant teaching moments around BiPAP complications and regional nerve blocks, and later develops a life-threatening tension pneumothorax requiring emergency decompression.
Also known as: Collapsed lung
Complication of BiPAP therapy in patient with small pneumothorax and rib fractures. Patient develops acute hypoxia and hypotension requiring emergency needle decompression. Creates major conflict and teaching moment about intern oversight.
Also known as: Breathing failure
Elderly patient on ventilator whose family makes the decision to withdraw life support. The extubation and end-of-life care process forms a major emotional storyline, including teaching about the 'four things that matter most' and ho'oponopono ritual.
Also known as: Meth psychosis
Agitated psychiatric patient who has been in the ED for days. Missed medication doses lead to violent agitation requiring multiple staff to restrain him for intramuscular sedation with midazolam and Haldol.
Also known as: Blocked vaginal opening
12-year-old with primary amenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain found to have congenital imperforate hymen with accumulated menstrual blood. Case involves sensitive pediatric examination and father struggling without deceased wife's guidance.
Also known as: Opioid overdose
College student who took what he thought was Xanax but was actually counterfeit pills containing fentanyl. Patient is comatose and being evaluated for brain death with cerebral perfusion study. Case explores the fentanyl crisis and accidental poisoning.
Also known as: Brain death
Patient undergoing cerebral perfusion study to confirm brain death following fentanyl overdose. Family struggling with the reality of the diagnosis.
Also known as: Hair wrapped around toe
Five-month-old infant with persistent crying due to mother's hair wrapped tightly around a toe, cutting off circulation. Easily diagnosed and treated with Nair to dissolve the hair.
Also known as: Cut
Sommelier who sustained forearm laceration when a crystal decanter broke while polishing it. Case used to teach medical student suturing technique and includes acknowledgment of patient's transgender identity and chart correction.
Also known as: Bug in ear
Patient with cockroach lodged in ear canal causing extreme distress. Treated with anesthetic drops and saline irrigation.