CPR Resuscitation Team Dynamics 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a cardiac arrest resuscitation, which team member is primarily responsible for documenting interventions and elapsed time?
- Team leader
- Compressor
- Timekeeper/recorder (Correct answer)
- Airway manager
Correct answer: Timekeeper/recorder
The timekeeper/recorder tracks elapsed time, drug administration intervals, and all interventions to support clinical decision-making.
Question 2: A new paramedic on your team begins performing compressions but uses a rate of 80/min. As team leader, what is the BEST immediate action?
- Stop the code and re-educate the team
- Redirect the compressor to target 100-120/min using closed-loop communication (Correct answer)
- Ignore it and continue
- Immediately switch compressors without explanation
Correct answer: Redirect the compressor to target 100-120/min using closed-loop communication
Closed-loop communication allows the team leader to correct performance in real time without disrupting resuscitation flow.
Question 3: Which concept describes the unspoken shared understanding of each member's role and the current situation during a resuscitation?
- Situational awareness
- Shared mental model (Correct answer)
- Crew resource management
- Role redundancy
Correct answer: Shared mental model
A shared mental model means all team members have the same understanding of the patient's condition, priorities, and next steps.
Question 4: When should role assignments ideally be made during a mass casualty resuscitation event with multiple patients?
- After completing the first resuscitation
- Before patient contact, during the pre-arrival briefing (Correct answer)
- As each task becomes necessary
- Only when a team member asks for direction
Correct answer: Before patient contact, during the pre-arrival briefing
Pre-arrival role assignment prevents confusion and ensures the team operates efficiently from the moment of patient contact.
Question 5: A team member believes the team leader has ordered the wrong drug dose. What is the CORRECT way to raise this concern?
- Administer the dose ordered without question
- Refuse to give the medication and walk away
- Challenge the leader respectfully using the two-challenge rule before complying (Correct answer)
- Immediately contact medical control to override the leader
Correct answer: Challenge the leader respectfully using the two-challenge rule before complying
The two-challenge rule requires a team member to voice a safety concern at least twice before complying with a potentially dangerous order.
Question 6: Which of the following BEST describes debriefing after a resuscitation attempt?
- A formal disciplinary review of team errors
- A structured team discussion to identify what went well and opportunities for improvement (Correct answer)
- A legal documentation process
- A mandatory psychological evaluation
Correct answer: A structured team discussion to identify what went well and opportunities for improvement
Post-event debriefing improves future performance by reinforcing successes and collaboratively addressing gaps in a blame-free environment.
Question 7: During CPR, the team leader notices chest compressions are becoming shallow. What is the MOST effective communication technique to correct this?
- Tap the compressor on the shoulder silently
- Use a general announcement to the whole team
- Give a direct, named instruction and confirm receipt: 'Alex, push harder — full 2 inches. Confirm?' (Correct answer)
- Wait until the next rotation to address it
Correct answer: Give a direct, named instruction and confirm receipt: 'Alex, push harder — full 2 inches. Confirm?'
Direct, named closed-loop communication ensures the correct individual receives the instruction and confirms understanding.
