Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Compassion fatigue can be mitigated by which of the following?

1. Increased work hours

2. Recognizing personal limits

3. Avoiding patient interactions

4. Minimizing emotional expressions

The correct answer is: Recognizing personal limits

Recognizing personal limits is essential for mitigating compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue often arises in healthcare settings where caregivers are consistently exposed to the suffering and emotional pain of others. By being aware of one’s own emotional and physical boundaries, healthcare professionals can take proactive steps to protect their well-being. This could involve setting boundaries around work, seeking support when needed, or engaging in self-care practices that enable them to recharge. Understanding and acknowledging personal limits supports resilience and helps maintain the capacity to provide compassionate care without succumbing to emotional exhaustion. In contrast, increasing work hours would likely exacerbate stress and fatigue. Avoiding patient interactions may lead to a lack of connection and could negatively impact the quality of care. Minimizing emotional expressions might help some caregivers avoid immediate discomfort but does not address the underlying issues of fatigue or contribute to long-term emotional health.