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Task fixation during airway crisis — FRCA Final MCQ

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ModerateEthics, Human Factors and Patient SafetyTask fixation during airway crisisFRCA Final

A consultant anaesthetist notices that the team is repeatedly trying to pass a bougie during a deteriorating airway event. SpO2 is 86%, the ODP looks concerned, and no one has verbalised the failed intubation algorithm. What is the most appropriate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — Declare the emergency aloud, allocate roles and move to the oxygenation rescue plan

This is a human-factors failure with task fixation during airway deterioration. Declaring the emergency, using closed-loop communication and allocating roles helps the team progress to oxygenation rescue. Seniority does not protect against fixation error. Cognitive aids and graded assertiveness are designed for exactly this situation.

Reference: DAS difficult airway guidance; RCoA human factors guidance