What’s the Most Accurate Part of Medical Drama “House”?

Introduction

“House” is a popular medical drama that has captivated audiences with its compelling storylines and medical mysteries. However, the series faces criticism for its liberties taken with medical accuracy. In this article, we will explore the one aspect of the show that is notably accurate and dissect some common medical inaccuracies within the series.

The Accurate Part: Patient Care

One of the most accurate parts of “House” is the portrayal of patient care in hospitals. The show visually represents a realistic setting with doctors and nurses treating patients, which is a fundamental aspect of the medical profession. This authenticity sets a benchmark for other medical dramas and provides a deeper understanding of the hospital environment for viewers who might not have direct experience with such settings.

Medical Dosage Inaccuracies

Incorrect Dosages of Mediations

While the patient care scenes are relatively accurate, the show does not always stick to correct medical dosages, which can be dangerous. For example, in one of the most notable scenes featuring Cuddy, the character takes Ambien to help her sleep. The bottle in the scene is labeled with 500mg of Zolpidem, which is a well-known fact that is incorrect. Zolpidem, the active ingredient in Ambien, is only available in 5mg or 10mg tablets. Taking 500mg would indeed kill a person, and such an act would be a violation of medical practice and ethics.

Medication for Seizures

The show often portrays the use of benzodiazepines (benzos) to treat seizures. These drugs are indeed used to manage seizures, but the doses and types of benzos used can vary widely based on the patient's condition and response to treatment. In one instance, the series depicts an incorrect and unsafe dosage, which could have serious consequences in a real-world medical scenario.

Overuse of Vicodin

Another area where “House” struggles is in its representation of medication use. The main character, Dr. House, abuses Vicodin to the point of almost becoming dependent. It is unfortunate that the show portrays a character using such an amount of this medication regularly. Vicodin, a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen, is a controlled substance with significant potential for addiction and overdose. A doctor or character taking this quantity of Vicodin daily is a clear ethical and medical issue, potentially leading to life-threatening consequences.

Conclusion

While “House” shines in its accurate depiction of patient care, it frequently strays from medical accuracy in other areas, including medication dosages and the portrayal of drugs. Viewers should be cautious of these inaccuracies and, more importantly, should use these instances as learning opportunities to understand the true nature of medical practices. Reliability in portraying accurate medical facts is crucial for any show that aims to set high standards for its audience.