You notice you are becoming increasingly cynical and losing empathy for patients after a string of difficult shifts. What is the most constructive response?

Question: You notice you are becoming increasingly cynical and losing empathy for patients after a string of difficult shifts. What is the most constructive response?

Answer options: ✅ Engage in healthy coping mechanisms like exercise and reaching out to peer support.

• Work more overtime hours to distract yourself from your feelings.
• Increase your consumption of caffeine or alcohol to cope with the stress.
• Keep your feelings to yourself so you don't appear weak to your peers.

Correct answer: Engage in healthy coping mechanisms like exercise and reaching out to peer support.

Explanation: Self-awareness is the first step in managing stress. Recognizing when expectations are unrealistic or when one is reaching a breaking point is crucial for long-term health and safety.