Simulation Fidelity Flashcards

A simulation educator uses a full-body manikin with realistic skin texture, integrated IV arm with flashback, and authentic defibrillator pads connected to a real AED. This PRIMARILY enhances which dimension of fidelity?

Answer: Physical fidelity

Physical fidelity refers to the degree to which the simulation's physical properties — the manikin, equipment, props, and tactile characteristics — resemble the real clinical situation. Using authentic equipment and realistic physical features directly increases physical fidelity.

Psychological fidelity in simulation is BEST described as:

Answer: The degree to which the simulation engages learners cognitively and emotionally as they would be engaged in a real clinical situation

Psychological fidelity refers to how well the simulation engages the learner's psychological processes — decision-making under pressure, stress responses, emotional engagement, and cognitive load — mirroring the mental experience of real clinical care. It can be high even with low-tech equipment if the scenario feels real to the learner.

A simulation educator creates a scenario in a room designed to replicate an emergency department, complete with appropriate bed layout, overhead lighting, ambient noise, an actual crash cart, and realistic signage. This PRIMARILY addresses which dimension of fidelity?

Answer: Environmental fidelity

Environmental fidelity refers to how closely the simulation setting replicates the actual clinical environment — including spatial layout, ambient sounds, equipment placement, and contextual cues. Creating a room that looks and feels like a real ED specifically targets environmental fidelity.

Evidence regarding simulation fidelity and learning outcomes MOST consistently suggests that:

Answer: The appropriate fidelity level must be matched to learning objectives and learner experience level, as higher fidelity does not always improve outcomes

Research consistently shows that higher fidelity does not automatically lead to better learning. The optimal fidelity level depends on what is being taught, the learner's experience level, and the specific objectives. Novices sometimes perform better with lower fidelity that reduces extraneous cognitive load.

A novice nursing student is learning urinary catheter insertion for the first time. Which simulation approach is MOST appropriate at this stage of learning?

Answer: A low-fidelity task trainer designed specifically for catheter insertion practice

For initial procedural skill acquisition, a focused low-fidelity task trainer targeting the specific skill is often most effective. High-fidelity simulation adds scenario complexity that can distract novices from mastering the procedural steps. Task trainers allow deliberate, repetitive practice of the core skill without extraneous cognitive demands.

'Functional fidelity' in simulation MOST accurately refers to:

Answer: The degree to which the simulation replicates the functions and actions required in the real task, regardless of physical appearance

Functional fidelity is about whether the simulation requires learners to perform the same actions, decisions, and functions as the real task — not how realistic it looks. A simple part-task trainer can have high functional fidelity for a specific skill even if it looks nothing like a human body.