Final answer:
The child life specialist (option C) is key in providing emotional and psychological support to pediatric patients undergoing surgery, as part of the comprehensive surgical team which also includes a surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional. They help with psychosocial needs and communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
The surgical team relies on a child life specialist to provide additional emotional and psychological support to the pediatric patient prior to and after the surgery. Child life specialists are trained professionals who support children and their families through medical procedures, offering psychosocial support and helping with coping strategies. They work as part of the surgical team which includes the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional to review key concerns for the recovery and care of the patient. This review is often referred to as a time out, where the entire team orally confirms important details before proceeding with surgery.
By addressing psychosocial needs and creating an emotional support network, child life specialists provide a necessary framework for care-giving and facilitate effective communication on matters of mutual interest and concern to the patient and family.