House season 8 episode 11 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

In a disciplinary hearing, Dr. House faces scrutiny for his team's handling of a case involving a paralyzed chemistry teacher. The patient's condition, linked to a classroom explosion, prompts House to use experimental treatments, leading to a team member's injury. Despite initial recovery, the patient suffers a psychotic break, stabbing Dr. Chase. The hearing, led by House's former mentor, examines the risks and ethics of House's methods, ultimately concluding the incident was "nobody's fault," a decision House defiantly challenges.

Full Episode S08E11 Recap

### Opening Scene: A Chaotic Emergency - In an urgent medical situation, the team scrambles to provide care. - Dr. House is summoned for a disciplinary hearing by Walter Cofield, Chief of Neurology at Mercy Hospital. ### The Disciplinary Hearing Begins - Cofield, who trained Foreman, convenes a hearing about events in patient room 209 on February 3, 2012. - House, dismissive, insists the facts are in the file and leaves to return to work. ### Flashback to Patient's Admission - The patient, a 32-year-old chemistry teacher, was admitted with paralysis but no sign of stroke or trauma. - House and his team consider various diagnoses, including transverse myelitis and liver problems. ### House's Vicodin Use and Team Dynamics - House admits to using Vicodin during the case and defends his unconventional methods. - The team's brainstorming includes ideas like thyrotoxic paralysis, with House pushing for creative solutions. ### Discovery of the Patient's Chemistry Accident - An explosion during a chemistry demonstration is revealed, shifting the focus of the diagnosis. - House and the team explore theories related to the explosion, including hydrofluoric acid inhalation and brainstem swelling. ### The Risky Decision to Use Aerosolized Heparin - House decides to use an experimental treatment, aerosolized Heparin, which is met with skepticism. - The team struggles with the ethics and risks of this unorthodox treatment. ### Patient's Recovery and Sudden Psychotic Break - The patient initially shows signs of recovery but then has a psychotic episode. - The hearing focuses on the decision-making process and the potential negligence in bringing a scalpel near the patient. ### Dr. Chase's Injury and Its Aftermath - During the patient's psychotic episode, Dr. Chase is stabbed, leading to a critical situation. - The team works to save Chase, with House focusing on diagnosing the patient despite the crisis. ### Concluding the Hearing and House's Defiant Stance - The hearing concludes with Cofield ruling the incident as "nobody's fault." - House challenges the ruling, revealing his deep understanding of his team and his unapologetic approach to medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Walter Cofield?

Walter Cofield is the Chief of Neurology at Mercy Hospital, overseeing Dr. House's disciplinary hearing.

What is the focus of the disciplinary hearing?

The hearing investigates the events in patient room 209 on February 3, 2012, involving Dr. House and his team.

What condition did the patient initially present with?

The patient, a 32-year-old chemistry teacher, presented with paralysis but no clear signs of stroke or trauma.

What unusual treatment did House propose?

House proposed using experimental aerosolized Heparin, a treatment never before used on humans.

How did the patient end up in the hospital?

The patient was hospitalized following an explosion during a chemistry demonstration.

What theories did the team consider for the patient's condition?

The team considered various diagnoses, including transverse myelitis, liver problems, hydrofluoric acid inhalation, and brainstem swelling.

Why was Dr. Chase stabbed?

Dr. Chase was stabbed during the patient's psychotic episode, which was one of the potential risks of the treatment.

What is House's stance on his methods?

House defends his unconventional methods, insisting that his approach, though risky, is effective.

What was the outcome of the hearing?

Walter Cofield concluded that the stabbing incident was officially "nobody's fault."

How did House react to the hearing's conclusion?

House challenged the ruling, showing his deep understanding of his team and his dedication to medicine.

House season 8 episode 11

Nobody's Fault