Certified Hospice and Palliative Assistant (CHPNA) Practice Test

Compassion fatigue primarily affects whom?

1. Those undergoing their own trauma

2. People who are emotionally affected by another's trauma

3. Only healthcare providers

4. Families of patients receiving care

The correct answer is: People who are emotionally affected by another's trauma

Compassion fatigue primarily affects people who are emotionally affected by another's trauma. This phenomenon often occurs in individuals who provide care and support to those who are suffering, such as healthcare providers, therapists, or caregivers. It leads to a decrease in their ability to empathize and engage effectively due to the emotional toll of witnessing and responding to pain and suffering. Those who work in caregiving roles can become overwhelmed by the emotional burden associated with their responsibilities, leading to feelings of helplessness, exhaustion, and even resentment. As they repeatedly engage with patients or clients who are experiencing trauma, their own emotional resources can become depleted. This situation highlights the importance of self-care strategies within healthcare and caregiving environments to mitigate the effects of compassion fatigue. The other options focus on specific groups or conditions. While individuals undergoing their own trauma may experience distress, their situation does not specifically describe compassion fatigue. Additionally, while families of patients receiving care can experience significant emotional challenges, their struggles differ from the caregiver’s experience of compassion fatigue, which is rooted in a repetitive exposure to another's trauma rather than a direct impact from their own trauma or a familial role. Lastly, though compassion fatigue is notably seen among healthcare providers, it is not exclusively limited to them; it can impact anyone