Resuscitation Team Dynamics Flashcards

During a pediatric resuscitation, the team leader clearly states, "Give 0.1 mg of epinephrine IV." The team member assigned to medications replies, "Epinephrine 0.1 mg IV given." This exchange is a primary example of which element of effective team dynamics?

Answer: Closed-Loop Communication

This is a classic example of closed-loop communication. The leader gives a clear order, and the team member confirms they have heard and completed the task by repeating the order back. This ensures mutual understanding and minimizes medication errors.

Which of the following is a core responsibility of the PALS team leader during a resuscitation event?

Answer: Monitoring team performance and providing real-time direction.

The team leader's primary role is to maintain a global perspective of the resuscitation. This includes assigning roles, making treatment decisions, monitoring the quality of interventions (like CPR), and guiding the team, rather than being absorbed in a single task.

A team is resuscitating a 15 kg child. The team leader, under stress, orders a 1 mg dose of epinephrine. The medication provider recognizes this is an adult dose and states, "That seems like a high dose for a child. The correct dose is 0.15 mg. Should I draw up 0.15 mg?" This action best demonstrates:

Answer: Constructive Intervention

Constructive intervention occurs when a team member tactfully speaks up to prevent a potential error. By respectfully questioning the incorrect dose and suggesting the correct one, the provider is enhancing patient safety, a key principle of high-performance teams.

Which of the following behaviors is MOST likely to undermine effective team dynamics during a pediatric code?

Answer: Multiple team members shouting suggestions and orders simultaneously.

A chaotic environment with multiple people giving conflicting orders leads to confusion, delays in care, and potential for serious errors. Effective teams have a single leader directing actions, and other members communicate clearly through that leader.

You are assigned the role of recorder/timer during a pediatric resuscitation. A critical function of your role is to:

Answer: Announce when 2-minute cycles of CPR are complete for a rhythm check.

The recorder/timer is responsible for tracking time-sensitive interventions. This includes announcing the end of 2-minute CPR cycles for rhythm and pulse checks, and noting the times of medication administration, which is crucial for adhering to PALS algorithms.

The principle of "knowing one's limitations" is crucial for a high-performance resuscitation team. Which of the following actions is the best example of this principle?

Answer: A team member who is struggling to obtain IV access asks another provider to try.

Knowing one's limitations means recognizing when a task is difficult or beyond one's ability and seeking help early. This prioritizes the patient's well-being over personal pride and is a sign of a mature and effective team member.