Read the passage and answer the following questions:
Hospitals operate around the clock, and so do the people who work within them. From doctors and nurses to cleaning staff, lab technicians, and administrative workers, every hospital employee plays a critical role in keeping the system functioning smoothly. While the public often sees doctors as the face of healthcare, the tireless contributions of other workers often go unnoticed. The life of a hospital employee is marked by long hours, high stress, and emotional strain. Nurses may have to attend to critical patients for entire shifts without rest, while housekeeping staff ensure that hygiene standards are maintained to prevent infections. Hospital employees handle hundreds of samples daily with precision, and emergency ward staff often face life-or-death situations multiple times a day.
What makes their jobs even more challenging is the emotional burden. Hospital employees witness suffering, grief, and loss more frequently than most people do in a lifetime. Yet, despite the psychological weight, many remain committed to their work out of a deep sense of duty and compassion.
In recent years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, awareness about the importance of every hospital worker has grown. However, proper recognition, mental health support, and fair working conditions are still essential to ensure the well-being of those who care for others.
What does the word “strain” mean in the context of the sentence “...high stress, and emotional strain”?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
In the given sentence, 'strain' is used in conjunction with 'stress' and 'emotional,' indicating a psychological or mental burden rather than a physical one. The passage describes the 'long hours, high stress, and emotional strain' experienced by hospital employees, which aligns with the definition of emotional or mental pressure. The subsequent paragraph further elaborates on this 'emotional burden,' confirming the non-physical context of the word in this instance.