PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Resuscitation Team Dynamics Questions and Answers

Question 1

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?

Accepted Answer

Closed-Loop Communication

Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Monitoring team performance and providing real-time direction.

Answer

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.

Question 3

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:

Accepted Answer

Constructive Intervention

Answer

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.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Multiple team members shouting suggestions and orders simultaneously.

Answer

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.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Practice Test

PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Practice Test

PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Resuscitation Team Dynamics Questions and Answers