TCRN Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep for Your Test

The symptom series most closely associated with secondary traumatic stress includes recurrent negative thoughts and avoidance. Secondary traumatic stress occurs when a caregiver or healthcare professional experiences symptoms similar to those of a trauma survivor as a result of indirect exposure to trauma through their work.

Recurrent negative thoughts reflect the intrusive memories and distressing reflections that can arise from hearing about or witnessing others' traumatic experiences. These thoughts may lead individuals to ruminate on the suffering of those they care for, impacting their mental well-being. Avoidance is another key feature, where individuals may attempt to stay away from reminders of the trauma or conversations that bring up painful memories. This behavior is a natural defense mechanism against the anxiety and emotional pain associated with the trauma they have been exposed to.

In contrast, some of the other listed symptom series might be indicative of different stress responses. Sleep disorders and emotional exhaustion can occur in a broad range of stress or burnout scenarios but are not exclusive to secondary traumatic stress. Physical injuries and workplace conflict relate more to occupational hazards rather than psychological responses to trauma. Lastly, confusion and amnesia are more aligned with acute stress reactions or dissociative states rather than the persistent symptoms seen in secondary traumatic stress. Understanding these nuances helps in identifying and addressing the mental health needs of healthcare