Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT considered a cognitive stress indicator?

1. Excessive attention to detail

2. Ability to make decisions

3. Feelings of being overwhelmed

4. Memory loss

The correct answer is: Ability to make decisions

The ability to make decisions is not considered a cognitive stress indicator. Instead, it reflects a cognitive strength, demonstrating a person's capacity to evaluate situations and respond appropriately. In stressful situations, effective decision-making can often diminish, but the act of making decisions itself is not indicative of stress. In contrast, excessive attention to detail, feelings of being overwhelmed, and memory loss are all indicators of cognitive stress. Excessive attention to detail can stem from a heightened state of anxiety, where an individual might over-focus on minutiae rather than the bigger picture. Feelings of being overwhelmed indicate that a person might struggle to cope with the demands they are facing, often resulting in cognitive overload. Memory loss can be a direct result of stress, impacting a person's ability to recall information or function effectively. Recognizing the difference between these various indicators can help in identifying and addressing stress in high-pressure environments.