Psychology of Compassion Fatigue

Questions and Answers

What is compassion fatigue medically defined as?

Cynicism, emotional exhaustion, or self-centeredness

What is the primary cause of compassion fatigue?

Prolonged exposure to caring for sick or traumatized patients

What is the result of compassion fatigue in healthcare professionals?

Emotional, physical, and spiritual exhaustion

What is vicarious traumatization?

A form of compassion fatigue Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of fatigue in the context of compassion fatigue?

A state of disinterest or apathy Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of compassion fatigue often associated with?

Secondary traumatic stress disorder (STSD) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of compassion fatigue on healthcare professionals?

Cynicism and self-centeredness Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of empathy in nurses?

When nurses are actively aware of patients' concerns without being directly told Signup and view all the answers

What can result from excessive empathy in nurses?

Role confusion or blurred boundaries Signup and view all the answers

What can contribute to a nurse's difficulties in working through their feelings?

Unrealistic expectations from family members Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of compassion fatigue in nurses?

Diminished performance as compared to previous levels Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome of lack of empathy in nurses?

Poor connection between the nurse and patient Signup and view all the answers

What can result from nurses dwelling on their feelings and roles?

Self-doubt and anxiety Signup and view all the answers

What is a normal function of the palliative care nurse?

Providing spiritual assistance to patients and caregivers Signup and view all the answers

What can contribute to a nurse's difficulties in maintaining personal relationships?

Both A and B Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of identifying compassion fatigue indicators?

To prevent the manifestation of its attributes Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of nurses being satisfied and engaged in their work?

They are more likely to provide better care for themselves and their patients Signup and view all the answers

According to the World Health Organization, what is the purpose of palliative care?

To improve the quality of life of patients with serious illnesses Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of reducing compassion fatigue among palliative care nurses?

They are more likely to provide better care for themselves and their patients Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of educational awareness of beneficial behaviors and practices among palliative care nurses?

To reduce compassion fatigue Signup and view all the answers

What is compassion fatigue often referred to as?

Secondary traumatic stress disorder Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a result of compassion fatigue?

Secondary traumatic stress disorder Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the positive feelings of fulfillment and satisfaction that caregivers experience when they are able to make a positive difference in the lives of their patients?

Compassion satisfaction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a symptom of compassion fatigue?

Nursing on empty Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a factor that can contribute to compassion fatigue?

High patient acuity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Psychological Responses to Stress and Compassion Fatigue

Compassion fatigue can be a causative or resulting factor associated with stress, and is an important element for understanding compassion fatigue.
Compassion fatigue is medically defined as 'cynicism, emotional exhaustion, or self-centeredness occurring in a healthcare professional previously dedicated to their work and clients'.

Definition and Characteristics of Compassion Fatigue

Compassion fatigue is a form of exhaustion resulting from prolonged exposure to caring for sick or traumatized patients.
It can also be defined as 'fatigue, emotional distress, or apathy resulting from the constant demands of caring for others or from constant appeals from charities'.
Empathy is present when nurses are actively aware of feeling or experiencing the concerns of patients without having the thoughts or feelings described or communicated to them.

Effects of Compassion Fatigue

Nurses experiencing compassion fatigue may have difficulty concentrating on their job, leading to diminished performance.
They may also experience anxiety, depression, and irritation with patients.
Family members or loved ones may have unrealistic expectations, finding it difficult to identify with the nurse's feelings of suffering or inability to share or acknowledge pain or feelings.

Borderline Case of Compassion Fatigue

A borderline case is one that has most of the defining characteristics of the concept, but not all of them.
An example of a borderline case is a nurse who has developed a special bond with a patient, becoming preoccupied with caring for them and thinking about their war experiences, leading to mistakes at work and nightmares.

Prevention and Awareness

Educational awareness of beneficial behaviors and practices for palliative care nurses could reduce compassion fatigue risk factors and symptoms.
Research in the area of identification of compassion fatigue empirical indicators could help prevent the manifestation of its attributes.
Nurses who are satisfied and engaged are likely to provide better care for themselves and their patients.

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Description

Learn about the psychological responses to stress and compassion fatigue, including its definition, characteristics, and impact on healthcare professionals. Understand the association between compassion fatigue and stress.