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LCSW 169 EXAM PREP Quiz Questions
The social work supervisor is assigned a new supervisee. During the initial supervisory sessions, the supervisor discusses the purpose of supervision, the role of the supervisor, and the expectations for the supervisee. The supervisee is asked to describe past practice experience, perceived strengths and weaknesses, and goals for supervision. The supervisor and supervisee jointly formulate goals for the supervision. The purpose of this process is to: - ✔ ✔ establish learning objectives
The term "tardive dyskinesia" refers to: - ✔ ✔ a movement disorder
Utilizing ego psychology, a social worker would view a client's use of defense mechanisms as: - ✔ ✔ serving an important protective function
What is MOST important to remember about defense mechanisms? - ✔ ✔ Defense mechanisms are unconscious process.
When sharing diagnostic information with a client, the social worker should give greatest consideration to: - ✔ ✔ describing behaviors that clarify the diagnostic information
When using cognitive-restructuring with a depressed 16-year-old client, the social worker should: - ✔ ✔ work with the client to set a concrete, time-specified goal
Which defense mechanism is MOST likely used by clients with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder? - ✔ ✔ Projective identification
Which of the following terms BEST describes families that have diffuse boundaries between the parental and child subsystems? - ✔ ✔ Enmeshed
A 27-year-old male with a history of hospitalizations for bipolar disorder and alcohol abuse recently stopped taking his medication, became manic, and resumed drinking. At his landlord's request, the police take him to the hospital and arrange an involuntary admission to the acute psychiatric unit. The client has all of the following rights EXCEPT the right to: - ✔ ✔ leave the hospital regardless of his condition
A 45-year-old gay man sees a social worker because of a long history of depression. He states that "in most areas of my life things are fine, but I have never had an emotional relationship that felt intimate." He also reports being distanced from the gay community because he's not political and "after all, it is no different from being straight, except that I have sex with guys." The social worker should FIRST: - ✔ ✔ conduct a comprehensive assessment
A 49-year-old woman seeks therapy citing problems with her 74-year-old mother. She reports that her mother moved to a retirement community seven years ago after the death of the client's father. The mother has adjusted well and made many new friends. Six months ago the client's mother began dating
a man and they have decided to live together. Since this decision, the client and her mother argue each time they see each other. The client states that her mother "is not thinking clearly," and "is betraying my father." The client is very upset to think of her mother being sexually active. The social worker should FIRST: - ✔ ✔ focus on the client's feelings about her mother's changes in behavior
A 75-year-old man is referred to a social worker by a neighbor following the loss of his spouse of 45 years, as well as the loss of two long-term friends. In the initial interview the client said he was experiencing recent difficulties with memory loss and confusion, increasing physical problems, sadness, feelings of loneliness, and a sense of uselessness. The client also noted the pain of losing a spouse. The social worker should FIRST: - ✔ ✔ assess the client for depression and suicide risk
A basic process in establishing a collaborative team is: - ✔ ✔ defining each member's area of expertise
A child who no longer characterizes objects as "all good" or "all bad" and appears to demand an increased amount of attention from the primary caretaker is, according to developmental object relations theory, in the stage of: - ✔ ✔ rapprochement
A client comes to a social worker complaining of persistent and intrusive thoughts. The client asks for help to better manage his thinking. What should the social worker do FIRST? - ✔ ✔ Ask the client to describe the content of his thoughts
A client contacts a social worker for help with his anger over his partner's extramarital affair. During the initial session, the client states he "will do whatever it takes" to get even with his partner. What should the social worker do FIRST? - ✔ ✔ Seek further clarification of the statements
A client from a developing country sees a social worker because of depression. The client describes life changes since a parent's death two years ago. The social worker tries to help the client explore the significance of this loss, but the client can only say: "Life is harder because my family has less money." What should the social worker realize from the discussion? - ✔ ✔ Talking about concrete changes is a symbolic way of talking about significant losses.
A client has established a behavioral contract to complete homework between sessions. The next two sessions the client says, "I didn't have time to get it done." The worker states, "I'm concerned that you contracted to complete your homework and yet have not done so. What do you think is going on?" The social worker's statement is an example of the technique of: - ✔ ✔ confrontation
A client in short-term therapy with a social worker expresses general dissatisfaction with life. During the first few sessions, the client skirts answers to questions, avoids issues, and changes the subject often. Upon observing these behaviors, the social worker should: - ✔ ✔ confront the client with the resistance
A client is court mandated to see a social worker for help with anger control. The client denies having a problem and blames others for initiating fights. The client also states that attending therapy sessions is
A couple is seeing a social worker for marital problems. During one session, the wife compliments her husband. The husband says, "It's nothing." What should the social worker do FIRST? - ✔ ✔ Assist the husband in accepting the compliment
A couple married for 30 years seeks help at a crisis clinic. The husband describes his wife's emotional and erratic behavior and radical change in appearance and dress, which is contrary to their religious beliefs. The wife talks openly and happily about spending more time outside the home with her friends and hobbies, and her desire to work for the first time. The social worker should assess the couple for evidence of: - ✔ ✔ Issues related to family transition
A family is referred to a social worker. The mother says she is constantly tired from going to work, cooking, cleaning, running the household, and caring for her first child. Her spouse is angry with her for not spending time with him and for not keeping the baby quiet. The couple MOST likely is: - ✔ ✔ having difficulty with the new life cycle stage
A long-term client being treated for bipolar disorder announces her pregnancy and her intent to continue taking lithium despite possible negative effects to the fetus. Her psychiatrist has informed her of the consequences but agreed to continue monitoring her medication. The social worker has a negative emotional reaction to the client's decision. What is the BEST way for the social worker to convey this reaction? - ✔ ✔ Perplexity
A male client comes to a first session with a social worker. When the client sits down, he makes little eye contact and seems guarded, awkward, and uncomfortable. What should the social worker do NEXT? - ✔ ✔ Inquire about how the client is feeling
A married mother of two young children is referred to a social worker by her employer for depression and inability to maintain expected standards at work. The initial assessment reveals that the client has recently experienced the sudden death of her younger sister who was a single mother of two young children. The children are now in the client's care. The client's mother and one brother are in prison. The client's husband is employed, but they need her paycheck to make ends meet. The social worker's MOST appropriate practice approach is: - ✔ ✔ Problem-solving
A mother brings her three year old child to a social worker because of bed wetting. This started just after a new baby was born. What should the social worker do FIRST? - ✔ ✔ Educate the mother about child development
A new client wants to be assured that her sessions are absolutely confidential. When should the possibility of a subpoena for confidential records of a client's social work sessions be discussed? - ✔ ✔ In the first session before the client contracts for services
A new social worker begins to establish professional rapport with a group of school aged youths. After a few weeks, the social worker discovers that their former social worker still sees the youths, gives them new school supplies, and takes them out for social events. The new social worker should FIRST: - ✔ ✔ speak directly to the former social worker
A parent brings a four-year-old child to a family services agency because the child is having fantasies of being chased by a giant and a tiger and has nightmares of running in terror. What should the social worker do FIRST? - ✔ ✔ Do a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment
A parent in great distress consults a social worker. Because of having heard so much in the media about sexual abuse, the parent is unsure how to respond to recently finding her five-year-old exploring the body of another child. The parent does not know whether this is deviant behavior. The social worker should: - ✔ ✔ reassure the parent that this is normal for children this age
A recent immigrant is seen in a hospital emergency room after several panic attacks. He is referred to a social worker but declines mental health treatment. The MOST likely explanation for this refusal is the: - ✔ ✔ cultural stigmas associated with treatment
A retired person requests counseling because of "boredom and feeling worthless." As a successful middle manager, the client looked forward to retirement and to spending time with family and friends. However, the client now spends time sleeping and watching television, rather than enjoying long anticipated pastimes. The social worker should FIRST inquire about: - ✔ ✔ other symptoms that might indicate depression
A second grade teacher consults the school social worker about a student who has had chemotherapy and lost all hair. The student seems sad, is doing poorly in schoolwork, and is not participating in activities. The social worker should FIRST - ✔ ✔ contact the parents to gain more information
A seven-year-old child in foster care because of severe sexual abuse has seen a social worker for several months. The child's parents, the abusers, are attempting to get their child back. They admit the abuse but refuse to follow the court ordered treatment plan. It is essential that the social worker develop an appropriate plan for: - ✔ ✔ permanency
A single mother sees a social worker following the death of her mother. The client's mother had provided child care for her two preschool children. The client has taken leave from her job to care for her children. The client complains that she is always tired and never has any time to herself now. After empathizing with the client, the social worker should NEXT: - ✔ ✔ explore child care resources in the community
A social work student in a social service agency reports to the supervisor that a client verbally assaults the agency receptionist during visits. The supervisor's FIRST response should be to: - ✔ ✔ ask the student to discuss the behavior with the client
A social worker admits to an intimate relationship with one of his clients whom he has treated for over two years. The social worker is the subject of a regulatory board investigation. He tells the investigator that he truly loves this client and would like to marry her. When interviewed, the client reports that she initiated the sexual contact with the social worker. The social worker terminated therapy with the client when she moved in with him. The social worker's actions are: - ✔ ✔ a violation of boundaries
client is depressed about being in the hospital and asks to be referred to an outpatient program. What should the social worker do FIRST? - ✔ ✔ Remind the client that the hospitalization is not voluntary
A social worker in a vocational rehabilitation program sees a 60-year-old widow. The client is unemployed and has serious financial problems. She has made several attempts to find work since her husband's death, but has been unable to get any job interviews. She completed high school and attended college for one year, but has not worked for many years. The social worker determines that the client's career goals are compatible with her skills. In choosing a referral option, the social worker should FIRST consider the: - ✔ ✔ possibility of age discrimination
A social worker in an outpatient setting is treating a woman diagnosed with a psychotic disorder but with no history of violence. During a session, the woman presents as delusional and paranoid. She tells the social worker that she is convinced that her husband is going to kill her. The client then becomes increasingly agitated, tells the social worker that she is going to kill her husband before he can kill her, and runs out of the office. The social worker should FIRST: - ✔ ✔ call the police to warn of the client's plan
A social worker in private practice has seen a client for over six months with no apparent change in the client's symptoms. The social worker will BEST serve the client by: - ✔ ✔ Seeking consultation from an experienced colleague about the client
A social worker in private practice is temporarily moving to another city. Following consideration of the risks and benefits that may be experienced by each client, the social worker offers to continue the therapeutic relationship with several clients through email. This suggestion is MOST appropriate for clients who: - ✔ ✔ are able to cope with day-to-day issues
A social worker interviews a 55-year-old man who is seeking treatment for impotence. Which of the following factors is LEAST likely to be contributing to his condition? - ✔ ✔ Age
A social worker is abusing alcohol. The primary rationale for taking action to remove this colleague from direct service is to: - ✔ ✔ ensure quality service for clients
A social worker is asked to treat a child who was sexually abused by an older sibling. The social worker learns that the victim and the perpetrator are living in the same house, with the permission of social services. What should the social worker do FIRST? - ✔ ✔ Develop a safety plan for the victim
A social worker is assigned a client who is believed to be a victim of domestic violence. The client does not speak English and is accompanied to the interview by several members of the extended family. The social worker has a very limited ability to speak the client's language, but several nonclinical employees of the agency are fluent in it. The social worker's MOST appropriate action is to: - ✔ ✔ request the services of a professional translator
A social worker is called to a hospital emergency room to assist with a woman who was brought in with her deceased baby. The baby has just died of sudden infant death syndrome. The mother, who has no
history of mental illness, is refusing to let go of the baby and insists that the baby is still alive. What should the social worker do FIRST? - ✔ ✔ Allow the woman to let go of the baby in her own time
A social worker is conducting an insight-oriented psychotherapy group. Although all parties have been briefed on confidentiality, during the group session, one individual admits discussing the group with friends and family. The BEST way for the social worker to handle this situation is to: - ✔ ✔ have group members discuss this situation and reach a mutually satisfactory resolution
A social worker is conducting an intake interview with a client in a prison psychiaric setting. The client states that he is hearing voices that tell him he is a bad person. He states that the voices are worse in jail and that he does not want to go back to his cell. The social worker asks if the client does not want to go back because the voices get worse or because he dislikes being in the cell. The social worker is using which of the following techniques? - ✔ ✔ Clarifying
A social worker is contacted by a female client who initially expresses a desire to become more assertive. However, once therapy begins, the client is unable to carry out treatment tasks. She indicates she is fearful of initiating change because her culture does not approve of assertive women. The social worker's FIRST response in this situation should be to: - ✔ ✔ discuss the client's perception of the cultural conflict
A social worker is employed by an agency that provides therapy for low income families. The agency is funded to provide weekly social work services for a maximum of five months. After providing four months of weekly therapy services the social worker realizes that the client will no longer be eligible to receive services soon. The social worker has located appropriate alternative resources for the client. What should the social worker do NEXT? - ✔ ✔ Discuss the need for termination and the client's preferences about referrals
A social worker is evaluating a 46-year-old married woman who is distressed by her husband's recent inability to sustain an erection. She reports that her husband has insulin-dependent diabetes. She says the physician has explained how diabetes causes this problem but she believes that "He doesn't love me anymore." The social worker's MOST appropriate action is to: - ✔ ✔ offer conjoint sessions to the client and her husband
A social worker is interviewing a client who feels depressed, overwhelmed, and hopeless about the future. The BEST way for the social worker to empower the client and create a sense of hope is to: - ✔ ✔ ask questions to identify client strengths and successes
A social worker is leading a group for students with conduct problems. One of the students is the informal group leader. He tends to intimidate the others and tries to control the discussion by glorifying his past crimes. What should the social worker do? - ✔ ✔ Ask the group how they feel about the student leader's comments
A social worker is treating a young child who was sexually abused by an adolescent neighbor. At one session, the child's parent reports that the child has started to sexually act out with another child. The social worker should explain that this behavior: - ✔ ✔ needs continued intervention
A social worker is working with a client diagnosed with kleptomania. The client expresses guilt, but says she cannot seem to stop the behavior. The client tells the social worker that she does not know why she engages in this behavior. What should the social worker do FIRST? - ✔ ✔ Explore the feelings behind the behavior
A social worker is working with a family. A grandparent, who lives with them, is having trouble sleeping and may be depressed. The daughter and her husband are experiencing conflicts about whether or not to move the grandparent into a nursing home. The social worker should FIRST consider the: - ✔ ✔ guilt family caregivers may experience when considering nursing home placement
A social worker is working with a woman who was recently diagnosed with HIV. The client abruptly stopped her medication. Her doctor asked that the social worker address the issue of medication noncompliance with the client. The client tells the social worker that she stopped the medication at the time her partner died of AIDS. The MOST likely explanation for the client's behavior is that she is: - ✔ ✔ dealing with bereavement
A social worker leads a group of pregnant adolescents with the purpose of developing the members' coping skills and decision-making capabilities. The group has met weekly for three months with minimal gains. To facilitate growth in independence, the social worker should FIRST: - ✔ ✔ give the group members control over as many decisions as possible
A social worker maintains client records in a way that shows awareness that the records may be disclosed in a regulatory or legal proceeding. This kind of record keeping demonstrates that the social worker is: - ✔ ✔ keeping the client's best interest in mind
A social worker meets regularly with a young adult client who has depression related to separation and individualization issues. The client reports that his parents were often demeaning and neglectful of him as a child. The client relates his past in a flat, unemotional manner. The social worker should: - ✔ ✔ help the client become aware of his feelings about his parents
A social worker meets with a 35-year-old Japanese American man who is anxious because his wife is pressuring him to move his mother into a nursing home. He prefers that she live with them. The social worker asks the man if he has any siblings and what his birth order is. This information is important to the understanding of the man's: - ✔ ✔ cultural perspective
A social worker meets with a client at an outpatient clinic. While obtaining a psychosocial history, the social worker notes that the client frequently shifts the conversation to completely unrelated topics. The social worker should FIRST: - ✔ ✔ perform a mental status exam
A social worker meets with a client who appears distraught. The client reports feeling worried about her elderly mother, who lives in a group home. The client says that her mother's glasses have been broken twice and her legs have marks on them that look as though she has been restrained. The mother denies that any abuse has occurred but the client notices that her mother's behavior has suddenly changed. The social worker should help the client to: - ✔ ✔ make a report to the appropriate authorities
A social worker meets with a client who is eligible for financial assistance. The client has just had a sex change and wants all information to be under the new name and sex. Upon entering the identifying information, the computer recognizes the client under the previous identity and will not accept the new sex designation. The client will not give the social worker permission to enter the current information under the old client file. Benefits cannot be issued unless the client is entered into the computer. What should the social worker do NEXT? - ✔ ✔ Review the consequences of available options with the client
A social worker meets with a couple struggling to provide adequate housing, food, and health care for their family. The social worker should FIRST: - ✔ ✔ link their specific needs to service options
A social worker meets with a couple who have difficulty expressing feelings. During one session, the couple begins to argue about finances. The husband yells, and the wife cries. The husband responds by saying, "Crying won't work. You need to spend less money." This interaction BEST demonstrates the: - ✔ ✔ couple's poor communication skills
A social worker meets with a new client who is cocaine dependent. The client reports that he has abstained from cocaine for the past three days and now complains of depression. The social worker assesses that the client's depression is MOST likely the result of: - ✔ ✔ withdrawal symptoms
A social worker meets with a young man who is in his first year of college. He expresses feelings of acute anxiety and distress. He was an outstanding student in high school, maintaining an A average, but his college grades are low. He says that if things do not improve, he does not know what he will do. What should the social worker do FIRST? - ✔ ✔ Assess for the risk of suicide
A social worker meets with an adolescent who frequently misses school and is having academic problems. Psychological testing found the client is above average in intelligence, but with poor impulse control and at high risk for antisocial behaviors. The social worker completes the social history to: - ✔ ✔ understand factors that affect the client's behavior
A social worker meets with the parent of a child with severe physical disabilities. The child's disabilities impact the family in all areas of daily life. Although the family receives support from several professionals, there are gaps in service. What should the social worker do FIRST? - ✔ ✔ Help the parent prioritize needs
A 13-year-old who is being treated for depression is concerned about disclosing his homosexuality to his parents, who are homophobic. The parents also want to know the details of the treatment. The social worker should plan to: - ✔ ✔ work with the adolescent around the timing of a safe disclosure
A social worker sees a child for therapy and suspects the mother is physically abusing the child. The social worker is concerned that if a report is made to the child protection agency, the child will no longer trust the social worker. What should the social worker do NEXT? - ✔ ✔ Report the suspected abuse
A social worker sees a client who is concerned about excessive Internet use. The client worries about not being able to control online activity and feels it is harming interpersonal relationships outside of the Internet. What should the social worker determine FIRST? - ✔ ✔ The degree to which the client's life is affected
A social worker sees a client who was referred after a conviction of embezzlement. The client has an extensive history of gambling, but denies that it is a problem for him or his family. What type of therapy would be MOST effective in treating this client's gambling addiction? - ✔ ✔ Group
A social worker sees a couple after the birth of their first child. They are very stressed by the demands of parenthood. What should the social worker do FIRST? - ✔ ✔ Determine what is causing the stress
A social worker sees a family for family therapy. During one session, the youngest family member tells the social worker, "I need to share something with you." Another family member responds by saying, "Don't talk about it." The social worker makes several unsuccessful attempts to assist family members in more open discussion. To increase open communication, what should the social worker do NEXT? - ✔ ✔ Use circular questioning with all family members
A social worker sees a new client for severe anxiety and panic attacks. The client is a recent immigrant from Asia and has difficulty understanding and speaking English. What should the social worker do FIRST? - ✔ ✔ Determine the client's specific language
A social worker sees a new client referred because of heavy alcohol use. During the initial assessment the client questions the social worker's credentials and competence. What should the social worker do NEXT? - ✔ ✔ Ask how the client feels about seeking help
A social worker sees a teenager and her mother because of increased anger, family conflict, and defiance at home. The parent reveals that the teenager was sexually abused at an early age, and has never talked about this with anyone. The teenager denies memory of the abuse. The social worker should FIRST: - ✔ ✔ normalize the teenager's reactions
A social worker sees a teenager whose family has been chronically homeless. The teenager tells the social worker that her family has to move to another shelter and that she will have to change schools. She shares how difficult it is to change schools and start all over again. What is the BEST way for the social worker to advocate for this client's needs? - ✔ ✔ Work with the parents and school personnel to keep the client from changing schools
A social worker sees a teenager with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa. The family physician believes hospitalization is necessary. A psychiatrist has diagnosed a comorbid condition of major depressive disorder and recommends intensive outpatient treatment. The client and her parents are confused and
frightened. The social worker should FIRST: - ✔ ✔ schedule a case conference with the professionals involved
A social worker sees a university student who reports compulsive exercise, and bingeing and purging several times per week. This has been going on for four months and, in addition, the client reports having nightmares and continually feeling "on edge." The client has missed classes because she loses track of time and is sometimes afraid to walk across campus. The client says she broke up with her boyfriend over a month ago after a violent fight during which he tried to kill her. The MOST likely diagnosis is bulimia nervosa and: - ✔ ✔ posttraumatic stress disorder
A social worker sees an adolescent because of poor academic performance. The adolescent also frequently lies to family members, is manipulative, and has shown a change in friendship patterns. What diagnosis should the social worker consider FIRST? - ✔ ✔ Substance Abuse
A social worker sees an adult client who was raised in a family with alcoholic and abusive parents. The client tells the social worker that she regularly avoids getting angry or upset around her parents because she is afraid of how her parents will react. The client also says she tries to keep her parents happy and that she feels this is the only way to make herself happy. The social worker should FIRST help the client to - ✔ ✔ understand codependency
A social worker sends a client to a colleague for a second opinion. The client has been in treatment for the past three months and has a diagnosis of major depression. The client believes the therapy is not working because of continuing episodes of depression. The client says that the treating social worker has suggested psychotropic medication. The client refuses to consider the medication. The colleague should NEXT: - ✔ ✔ explore with the client her resistance to taking medication
A social worker treats a client who reports a desire to kill a former lover who has recently ended their relationship. Upon further questioning, the client says that although this is a desire, it is not a strong one and the client has no definite plan. The client says "I probably won't do anything." The client contracts with the social worker not to kill the former lover. The social worker should NEXT: - ✔ ✔ monitor the client's feelings at future sessions
A social worker works at an emergency shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. The children are in desperate need of basic items such as socks, underwear, diapers, and school supplies. The shelter's budget has already been cut significantly, and the shelter director informs the social worker that they cannot use any agency funds to purchase these items. The social worker should FIRST: - ✔ ✔ call community stores for donations of needed items
A social worker works with a client who has a history of substance abuse. Although he has been through several treatment programs, he relapses. He says that nothing has worked for him and he doesn't think anything can help him. The client thinks he will become just like his father, who has a long history of substance abuse. When using a relapse prevention model, what should the social worker do FIRST? - ✔ ✔ Assess the client's motivation to change his behavior
from a rehabilitation facility and has been diagnosed with alcohol dependence. The client admits that she has not attended Alcoholics Anonymous nor talked with a sponsor. What should the social worker do NEXT? - ✔ ✔ Confront the client's denial
After six months of treatment for post-divorce adjustment issues, a client abruptly stops coming to see the social worker. The social worker should NEXT: - ✔ ✔ call the client to ask the reasons for the abrupt stop
An 86 year old man recently widowed is encouraged to obtain mental health services by his minister. He expresses concern that since the death of his wife of 50 years, he has not been able to sleep, has little energy, and often skips meals. The social worker at the hospital conducts a clinical evaluation of the widower for depression. What should the social worker do FIRST? - ✔ ✔ Acknowledge the client's feelings of loss
An adolescent arrives for a therapy session intoxicated, yet coherent and cooperative. What should the social worker do FIRST? - ✔ ✔ Confront the acting out behavior
An adolescent student is referred to the social worker because of defiance of authority and threats to harm fellow students. The student greets the social worker with a broad smile and asks why the interview is necessary. He explains that his favorite brother is in prison, and he expects that he too will be "sent up" before long. He keeps on smiling and remains standing throughout the interview. The student seems unperturbed by any of the complaints about his behavior. This nonverbal communication is demonstrating the student's: - ✔ ✔ defenses
An adult client with developmental disabilities confides to her social worker that the receptionist at the community center often treats her like a child. To help the client deal with this, the social worker should:
- ✔ ✔ role play appropriate responses with the client
An elderly widower is brought for an evaluation to a geriatric clinic by his adult daughters, both of whom live a half hour away from where he still resides in the family home. The daughters are concerned that there is "no one to look after Dad." They believe he is having some difficulty with walking and memory. The neurological and mental status exams reveal no dementia. The man is ambulatory although a cane is recommended. The daughters want to place him in an assisted living facility, but the father is adamantly opposed. The social worker's BEST course of action is to: - ✔ ✔ offer an in-home evaluation, with the assurance to keep in touch with the daughters if he consents
An elderly woman has been hospitalized for treatment of a stroke. The physician recommends placement in a rehabilitation facility and refers the woman and her caregiver daughter to the social worker. The daughter wants her mother to come home since she would like to continue caring for her but she is concerned about being able to provide necessary care. The social worker should FIRST: - ✔ ✔ confer with the mother and family members regarding placement
An emergency room social worker is asked to complete a psychosocial assessment. The patient is confused and unable to provide reliable information about the events leading up to the hospital
admission. What should the social worker do NEXT? - ✔ ✔ Seek permission from the patient to contact relatives
An immigrant family is referred to a social worker because of the ten-year-old child's frequent absences from school. In the intake interview, the social worker asks for information from various members of the family, but all responses come from the father, who speaks sharply and whose facial expression appears angry. The social worker's BEST course of action is to: - ✔ ✔ learn about the communication styles typical of the family's culture
An insurance utilization review representative indicates that only one more session is authorized for a patient who is depressed and has suicidal ideation with no specific plan. The private practice social worker argues that at least 12 more sessions are needed to stabilize the patient, but is unsuccessful in convincing the reviewer. The client cannot afford to pay for further sessions. The social worker should: - ✔ ✔ continue to see the client and discuss an alternative payment plan
At a community mental health agency, a new social worker replaces a social worker who resigned with short notice due to a family emergency. Within a few weeks, the social worker has met with all the clients. While in the public waiting room, a social work colleague hears the new social worker say to a client that it was "unprofessional and harmful" for the prior social worker to leave the agency so suddenly. The colleague should FIRST: - ✔ ✔ talk to the new social worker about the conversation
At the end of the second session with a new client diagnosed as having a borderline personality disorder, the client hugs the social worker before leaving the office. The social worker should: - ✔ ✔ set appropriate boundaries for the therapeutic relationship at the next session
At the recommendation of the school counselor, a mother requests that a social worker treat her ten- year-old son for persistent fighting in school. The mother states that her son is well disciplined in the home and neighborhood. After obtaining a social history from the mother, the social worker should NEXT: - ✔ ✔ obtain a release to talk with the school counselor
Compared to women diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, men diagnosed with the same disorder generally: - ✔ ✔ exhibit different patterns of impulse-related disorders
Due to budget problems, an agency makes policy changes that include raising client fees. The social worker is concerned that poorer clients will be most affected. The social worker should FIRST: - ✔ ✔ advocate to change the policy for low-income clients
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During a family therapy session with a social worker, the parents of a 16-year-old girl reveal that they have been reading her email and have become aware of her sexual activity. The social worker should FIRST: - ✔ ✔ encourage the adolescent to respond to this disclosure
During a session with a social worker, a woman complains of emotional and physical abuse by her husband. She reports that two days ago her husband slapped her during an argument. She did not have
In sessions with a social worker, a client has established the goals of empowerment and structure in family life. Each week the client mentions concurrent involvement with homeopathic treatment, from which the client derives benefit. The social worker's PRIMARY responsibility in this situation is to: - ✔ ✔ continue working with the client toward the treatment goals
In the evaluation process for a client's sexual dysfunction, the FIRST consideration is to: - ✔ ✔ rule out any medical basis for the dysfunction
In the middle phase of alcohol treatment when recovery is well underway, the MOST difficult task for alcoholics is to: - ✔ ✔ confront psychosocial realities about themselves
In which of the following situations may a social worker provide information without the client's consent? - ✔ ✔ When a client files a malpractice suit
Parents bring a 14-year-old to a social worker because the adolescent questions authority, is late for curfew, and no longer desires to attend church with the family. The adolescent states that the parents "treat me like a baby" and that the adolescent wants to go to a "more upbeat" church. The social worker should explain to the parents that the adolescent is MOST likely: - ✔ ✔ trying to find a personal identity
Several months into therapy, a client tells the social worker that early in her marriage her husband planned to leave her. The client has never told anyone about this before, nor did she and her husband ever discuss this crisis again. Which family therapy concept does this illustrate? - ✔ ✔ Family secrets
The court orders a woman to have individual therapy as a condition for her children to be returned. She attends two sessions with the social worker. She misses the next two sessions. What should the social worker do FIRST? - ✔ ✔ Contact the woman to discuss the consequences of missed appointments
The parents of a 13-year-old boy consult with an employee assistance program social worker regarding the adolescent's marked change in behavior since entering junior high school. During the past year his grades have dropped dramatically, and he has been arrested for shoplifting, has started several small fires while smoking, and insists on having long hair and baggy clothes. The parents adopted him when he was nine months old, after he had been in two foster homes. Before this last year his behavior and development had progressed normally. The social worker should: - ✔ ✔ refer the family for assessment and treatment
