BLS Team Dynamics & Communication 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a resuscitation, the team leader asks a rescuer to start an IV. The rescuer is unsure of the patient's weight and asks for clarification. This is an example of:
- Closed-loop communication (Correct answer)
- Constructive intervention
- Mutual respect
- Shared mental model
Correct answer: Closed-loop communication
Closed-loop communication includes the receiver confirming the message and asking clarifying questions before completing the task.
Question 2: Which statement BEST describes the role of a 'compressor' in a high-performance resuscitation team?
- Manages medications and IV access
- Delivers chest compressions and rotates with others to avoid fatigue (Correct answer)
- Documents timing and interventions
- Operates the AED and monitors rhythm
Correct answer: Delivers chest compressions and rotates with others to avoid fatigue
The compressor delivers high-quality chest compressions and rotates with other team members every 2 minutes to prevent fatigue-related degradation.
Question 3: A team member notices the airway manager is providing ventilations too rapidly. The BEST action is to:
- Remain silent to avoid conflict during resuscitation
- Wait until after the code to provide feedback
- Speak up respectfully and suggest slowing the ventilation rate (Correct answer)
- Ask the team leader to observe and decide
Correct answer: Speak up respectfully and suggest slowing the ventilation rate
Speaking up immediately and respectfully is appropriate when patient safety is at risk, regardless of role or hierarchy.
Question 4: What is the PRIMARY purpose of assigning roles BEFORE beginning CPR when multiple rescuers are present?
- To establish a chain of command for legal documentation
- To ensure each task is covered without duplication or gaps (Correct answer)
- To satisfy AHA training requirements
- To allow the most experienced person to rest initially
Correct answer: To ensure each task is covered without duplication or gaps
Pre-assigning roles prevents task overlap and ensures critical functions like compressions, airway, and timing are all covered simultaneously.
Question 5: During a code, the team leader gives an order but no one responds. What should the leader do NEXT?
- Repeat the order louder to the whole team
- Direct the order to a specific team member by name (Correct answer)
- Assume the task is being handled and continue
- Pause compressions to get everyone's attention
Correct answer: Direct the order to a specific team member by name
Directing orders to a named individual ensures clear accountability and avoids the 'bystander effect' where everyone assumes someone else will act.
Question 6: A new rescuer arrives mid-resuscitation. The team leader should FIRST:
- Allow the rescuer to self-assign a task based on their skills
- Integrate them by assigning a specific role after a brief update (Correct answer)
- Ask them to observe until a natural pause occurs
- Have them take over the team leader role immediately
Correct answer: Integrate them by assigning a specific role after a brief update
The team leader integrates new arrivals quickly by assigning a role and providing a concise situation update to maintain momentum.
Question 7: Which behavior MOST disrupts effective team dynamics during cardiac arrest?
- Rotating compressors every 2 minutes
- Multiple team members giving simultaneous orders (Correct answer)
- Using a checklist for medication timing
- Verbalizing when an AED is analyzing rhythm
Correct answer: Multiple team members giving simultaneous orders
Multiple simultaneous orders create confusion, divide attention, and undermine the team leader's authority, leading to errors.
BLS Team Dynamics & Communication 2
During a resuscitation, the team leader asks a rescuer to start an IV.
The rescuer is unsure of the patient's weight and asks for clarification.
This is an example of: