Full Mock Exam 2
A social worker was recently promoted to Director of Prevention Programs at a community mental health agency. The agency was awarded a grant to develop primary prevention strategies for the families they serve. The social worker should focus on all of the following EXCEPT: A. A social skills group for children with ADHD. B. Free informational sessions on immunizations for parents. C. Ongoing skills training for teens on how to build healthy relationships. D. Providing information on infant development to new parents.
A. A social skills group for children with ADHD.
A new client comes for therapy complaining of anxiety and depression. After the social worker provides information about the benefits of medication and psychotherapy, the client emphatically states, "I refuse to take medication." What should the social worker do NEXT? A. Acknowledge the client's right to choose his treatment. B. Refer the client to a psychiatrist. C. Determine why the client is so against medication. D. Provide the client with research on the benefits of medication.
A. Acknowledge the client's right to choose his treatment.
During a therapy session, a client states that he recently found out his partner is having an extramarital affair. He says he is furious and so angry that he wants to do something to "get back" at his partner. What should the social worker do FIRST? A. Ask questions to clarify the client's statements. B. Remind the client about the limits of confidentiality. C. Notify the authorities and the partner according to the Tarasoff law. D. Assess the client for history of violent behavior.
A. Ask questions to clarify the client's statements.
A hospital social worker is assessing a woman who was recently hospitalized due to self-neglect. In developing after care plans, the woman reports that she never married and has no family in the area. In helping the patient develop discharge plans, the social worker should FIRST: A. Assess the client's ability level to provide self-care at home. B. Refer the client to a local assisted living home. C. Encourage the client to find social support in the area. D. Refer the client to local home health care agencies.
A. Assess the client's ability level to provide self-care at home.
A social worker has been conducting home visits with a young mother who has a 10-month-old baby. During the most recent visit, the mother reports she is worried that her child is unable to walk yet, explaining that her sister's child started taking her first steps around this age. The social worker observes that the baby is able to pull himself up to a standing position while holding onto a table. The BEST response for the social worker is to: A. Educate the mother on normal child development. B. Encourage the mother to take her baby to see the pediatrician for an evaluation. C. Encourage the mother to join a group for mothers and babies. D. Increase the number of home visits to monitor the child's development.
A. Educate the mother on normal child development.
A young woman comes into therapy upset because she was passed over for a job because she expressed interest in starting a family. What should the social worker do NEXT: A. Explore the client's feelings about the potential discrimination. B. Refer her to get some vocational training. C. Validate her anger and refer her to a lawyer. D. Suggest she speak to her employer.
A. Explore the client's feelings about the potential discrimination.
A social worker at a family mental health clinic sees a young boy whose parents have noticed recent behavioral changes in him. They report that he no longer hangs out with his friends at school, does not enjoy the same activities he used to, and appears withdrawn. Throughout the interview it becomes apparent that the changes occurred after the parents and child moved into a family friend's house. The social worker should NEXT: A. Explore the recent changes in the home environment. B. Inform the parents that these changes in behavior are developmentally normal. C. Address the possibility of child abuse with the parents. D. Encourage the parents to find a new living arrangement for the child.
A. Explore the recent changes in the home environment.
A 20-year-old student presents for therapy to address feelings of anxiety and confusion. He indicates that he is in an intimate relationship with another male student, and his parents are coming to visit this weekend. He states, "I don't know what to do. They will disown me if they find out." What interventions are indicated to treat this client? A. Present a nonjudgmental stance regarding the student's sexual orientation and encourage the student to be open with his parents. B. Assist the student in problem-solving around the immediate concern and work over the long term to explore issues of sexual identity. C. Normalize the student's internal conflict regarding sexual dysphoria and develop a plan to safely meet with his parents. E. Schedule a family therapy session and allow disclosure of sexual orientation in a safe and supportive environment.
B. Assist the student in problem-solving around the immediate concern and work over the longer term to explore issues of sexual identity.
A therapist is treating a court-mandated client with a substance abuse problem. The therapist has decided to utilize motivational interviewing for the treatment of the client's substance abuse. Which of the following techniques are NOT considered part of motivational interviewing? A. Open-ended questions B. Confrontation C. Reflective listening D. Summaries
B. Confrontation
A school social worker meets with a sixth grade teacher regarding a student who was recently diagnosed with Type I diabetes. The teacher reports that the student has isolated herself from the other students, has fallen behind, and isn't interested in participating in class like she used to be. The social worker FIRST: A. Meet with the student and explore her feelings about receiving the diagnosis. B. Contact the student's parents to obtain additional information. C. Help the teacher understand the effects of being diagnosed with a long-term illnessduring this critical stage of identity development. D. Refer the student to a support group.
B. Contact the student's parents to obtain additional information.
A 31-year-old woman is admitted to the hospital following a suicide attempt. During the intake interview, the woman reveals that she was sexually abused by an older cousin when she was 10. The social worker should NEXT: A. Speak with a family member to determine the truth of the abuse. B. Explore the ways in which the abuse contributes to the client's presenting problem. C. Explore the specifics of the abuse with the client. D. Complete a comprehensive sexual history.
B. Explore the ways in which the abuse contributes to the client's presenting problem.
A gay couple seeks therapy for communication and commitment issues. During the initial session, one of the clients asks if the social worker believes in gay marriage. How should the social worker respond? A. Refer them to a gay therapist. B. Explore why the information is important to the client. C. Share views of gay marriage. D. Ask how the couple feels about gay marriage.
B. Explore why the information is important to the client.
A new client comes to the session displaying lethargy and describes her situation as "near hopeless." She failed her real estate examination two times. She tells the social worker that no matter what she does, there is no way she can pass that examination. She also says that she's been gaining weight since she's been studying. If the social worker was using Cognitive therapy, which of the following would constitute elements of the treatment plan? A. Forming a collaborative relationship; working on her misperceptions of physical symptoms; using Socratic questioning. B. Forming a collaborative relationship; working with her negative view of the cognitive triad; working on her underlying assumptions that are fueling her automatic thoughts. C. Forming a strong therapeutic relationship; working on her fear of being fat; employing collaborative empiricism. D. Assuming a directive stance; working on themes of loss and defeat; exploring her underlying negative schema.
B. Forming a collaborative relationship; working with her negative view of the cognitive triad; working on her underlying assumptions that are fueling her automatic thoughts.
A mother and her 8-year-old daughter are referred to a social worker after a school counselor receives several reports that the girl has been bullying classmates. The mother is confused and says that her daughter gets along well with her two siblings and other children in their apartment complex. After completing a social and developmental history from the mother, the social worker should NEXT: A. Schedule an individual session with the girl. B. Have the mother sign a release to talk with the school counselor. C. Schedule a session with the siblings to gather additional information. D. Request the girl's school record.
B. Have the mother sign a release to talk with the school counselor.
Which of the following factors are key to the initial evaluation of an adult client who has no housing and who presents with fatigue and difficulties in sleeping and eating? A. Family relationships and support systems. B. Health status and ability to provide basic care. C. Social isolation and interpersonal functioning. D. Financial status and ability to access resources.
B. Health status and ability to provide basic care.
A social worker is leading a support group for parents who lost children due to drug overdose. During the group, the social worker brings up her own experience of losing a child to drugs. This use of self-disclosure allows for the social worker to: A. Establish herself as an effective group leader. B. Illustrate a sense of understanding. C. Illustrate an understanding of the effects of addictions. D. Receive support from group members.
B. Illustrate a sense of understanding.
A new client meets with a social worker. The client has a history of multiple suicide attempts and self-harming behaviors. During the assessment, the social worker asks questions about the client's trauma history. The client discusses an extensive history of abuse by his father, though while he is talking, he often smiles or laughs. This behavior is best defined as: A. Congruence in communication B. Incongruence in communication C. A defense mechanism D. A sign that he isn't ready to deal with his trauma yet
B. Incongruence in communication
A social worker uses a standard progress note to document treatment sessions. After a recent session with a client, the social worker realizes that she left out a key piece of information related to the client's plan before the next session. In order to document this additional information, the social worker should: A. Include it at the bottom of the note with the other pieces of planning information B. Make an addendum to the previous note and sign and date it C. Wait until the next session and note it as part of the weekly assessment D. Destroy the original note and create a new note with the updated information
B. Make an addendum to the previous note and sign and date it
A hospital social worker is developing an aftercare plan for a 75-year-old client who is confined to a wheelchair after a car accident. The client wishes to relocate to an area with limited support services, despite needing weekly medical attention. She currently lives with her daughter who is unhappy with her decision to relocate. The client has asked for help from the social worker during this transition. The hospital social worker should FIRST: A. Refer the client to agencies in the area where she wishes to relocate. B. Meet with the medical team to gain a better understanding of the client's medical needs. C. Conduct a meeting with the client and her daughter to understand both their concerns. D. Encourage the client's self-determination by creating a discharge plan that would help the client transition to the new location smoothly.
B. Meet with the medical team to gain a better understanding of the client's medical needs.
A social worker in private practice meets with a 32-year-old man for an intake. The man reports a long history of work issues involving productivity and task completion. He reports having done well in school and says that his relationships are stable. The social worker completes the social history to: A. Facilitate a referral for job training and support. B. Understand factors that affect the client's behavior. C. Identify client's social support system. D. Assess current coping mechanisms.
B. Understand factors that affect the client's behavior.
A social worker is evaluating an 8-year-old child of a different ethnic background whose mother was recently reported to child protective services due to alleged child abuse. When assessing the risk factors, the social worker must FIRST: A. Understand culturally appropriate body language and communication. B. Understand how one's own cultural values and beliefs influence the social worker's ability to deal with issues regarding diversity. C. Understand that the clinical interview is more important than standardized assessments. D. Use a solution-focused model to develop effective treatment goals.
B. Understand how one's own cultural values and beliefs influence the social worker's ability to deal with issues regarding diversity.
A social worker was recently assigned as a case manager for a family with three children who are in foster care due to neglect by their mother. While developing service plans for the siblings, the social worker should recognize that it is MOST important to: A. Meet with the foster parents to address their concerns. B. Use a solution-focused intervention to address the individual needs of each child by creating separate treatment goals. C. Develop the same treatment goals for all three siblings. D. Develop treatment goals around the reason that the children were removed from their homes.
B. Use a solution-focused intervention to address the individual needs of each child by creating separate treatment goals.
A 45-year-old man seeks treatment from a social worker in private practice due to ongoing difficulties at work. During the assessment, the client reports that he has trouble getting along with his co-workers, does not have any "real" friends, and has never been in an intimate relationship. When the social worker attempts to explore his family history, the client becomes very quiet, appears distracted, and requests to talk about something else. From a trauma-informed perspective, the social worker should: A. Diagnose the client with Schizoid Personality Disorder B. Gently assess for further signs of early childhood abuse and/or neglect C. Avoid asking questions about the family until the client is ready to discuss them D. Refer the client to an adult social-skills group
B. Gently assess for further signs of early childhood abuse and/or neglect
A client seeks therapy after the death of her mother. The client shares that her 82 year-old mother was living with her when she died. The client shares that her mother had dementia and would frequently become verbally and physically aggressive to her and her children. She tears up when she reports that she would be so desperate for a break that she'd sometimes lock her mom in her bedroom for an entire day. The social worker should NEXT: A. File an abuse report with Adult Protective Services B. Assess for child abuse C. Acknowledge her feelings of shame D. Refer her to a grief support group
C. Acknowledge her feelings of shame
A social worker in private practice has worked with children for several years when suddenly she loses a child of her own in a car accident. Ever since the social worker has returned from a leave she finds herself drifting off into her own thoughts and memories when working with kids. The social worker notices that she is constantly staring past the children and daydreaming about her child. Which of the following actions should the social worker take? A. Refer children out of her practice to other clinicians. B. Consult with colleagues regarding countertransference. C. Address grief and loss issues in personal psychotherapy. D. Journal personal process after every session.
C. Address grief and loss issues in personal psychotherapy.
A hospital social worker is working with a 45-year-old man who was recently hospitalized. The social worker is part of a multidisciplinary team at the hospital and in speaking with the patient's physician learns that the patient has a terminal illness. The physician states, "I don't think it is appropriate to inform the patient of his prognosis. It will only make his final days more difficult." The social worker, who disagrees with the physician, should: A. Call for a meeting with the treatment team. B. Contact the medical licensing board to report the physician's unethical practices. C. Address the concerns with the physician directly. D. Meet with the patient's family first to discuss the prognosis before telling the patient.
C. Address the concerns with the physician directly.
During a session with a client who is diagnosed with anxiety, the social worker notices the client has stereotyped beliefs against various racial groups. These beliefs go against the social worker's personal values. The social worker should: A. Provide the client with referrals to another therapist. B. Address the client's stereotyped beliefs in a nonjudgmental manner. C. Address the presenting problem while respecting the client's beliefs. D. Discuss the conflict in value system with the client.
C. Address the presenting problem while respecting the client's beliefs.
A couple in their early 40's seek help from a social service agency after adopting two children, ages 8 and 12. During the assessment, the parents report the kids are "out of control" and they can't "get them to do anything." When the social worker clarifies what the parents mean, they report that the kids don't get themselves ready for school and haven't been completing homework on time. They go on to report that they themselves go to bed at 10 pm, but the children are often still up, which makes it harder for them to get up in the morning. The social worker should: A. Make a report to CPS regarding neglect B. Provide a referral for a parenting skills class C. Assist the parents in identifying ways to establish basic routines with the children. D. Meet with the children to obtain information from their perspectives
C. Assist the parents in identifying ways to establish basic routines with the children.
A 53-year-old military veteran is experiencing a great deal of frustration and anger in his relationship with his 12-year-old son. He complains, "My son doesn't listen to me. I know my wife is turning him against me." How would a solution-focused social worker intervene to assist this client? A. Directly realign the executive subsystems with expectations for change. B. Devise strategies to eliminate symptoms, thereby leading to change. C. Collaboratively design a solution with expectations for change. D. Rewrite the problem for the client, thereby leading to change.
C. Collaboratively design a solution with expectations for change.
A social worker at a residential treatment center is having trouble focusing at work due to a recent divorce. A co-worker tells the social worker that a few patients have come up to her saying they are frustrated by the social worker's negative demeanor. The social worker should FIRST: A. Meet individually with the patients who are frustrated. B. Decrease her caseload. C. Consult with a supervisor. D. Be more conscious of her demeanor around patients.
C. Consult with a supervisor.
A community agency uses the Beck Depression Inventory to monitor client progress on a weekly basis. The social work team lead is concerned about the amount of time it is taking for staff to score and input this measure. After meeting with her team, the social work team lead determines the time it is taking to score the inventories makes it difficult to complete within their scheduled work week. What is the MOST appropriate solution for this problem? A. Find a measure that takes less time to score B. Hire additional social workers C. Encourage the social worker and client to collaboratively score and review the inventory in session D. Offer overtime to ensure social workers score and input data.
C. Encourage the social worker and client to collaboratively score and review the inventory in session
A 72-year-old Mexican-American man has been referred to the social worker by his adult day care facility. The man reports that his wife recently died after a long battle with cancer and that he has been working on an altar in his house to honor her. He reported to his friends that he can't wait to see his wife's ghost and regularly leaves flowers and gifts on the altar for her. The social worker should FIRST: A. Refer the man to his primary care physician for a medical evaluation B. Assess the client for other signs of psychosis C. Explore the client's cultural beliefs around death and dying D. Refer the client to a grief support group
C. Explore the client's cultural beliefs around death and dying
A Hmong couple is referred to the school social worker. Their 6-year-old daughter has been sick recently and the teacher is concerned that the parents are not getting adequate health care. The parents share that they immigrated here five years ago. The social worker knows very little about the Hmong culture. The social worker should FIRST: A. Tell the couple that she knows very little about Hmong people. B. Research Hmong cultural beliefs. C. Explore their cultural beliefs and how it may be impacting the current situation. D. Consult with a social worker who is an expert on the Hmong culture.
C. Explore their cultural beliefs and how it may be impacting the current situation.
A social worker has many clients who live in residential group homes in a city. During recent meetings with clients, the social worker notices that the group homes are providing inadequate treatment. What should the social worker do FIRST to try to correct the problem? A. Set up a meeting with families of residents to encourage change. B. Create more appropriate outpatient programs to discourage clients from needing higher levels of care. C. Facilitate the creation of interest groups in which different options can be explored. D. Meet with city officials to discuss the need for evidence-based treatments.
C. Facilitate the creation of interest groups in which different options can be explored.
A client reports that she recently awoke in the middle of the night to sounds of crying children in the apartment next door. She went to see if everyone was okay and discovered that the parents had left the 8-year-old, 5-year-old, and 2-year-old home alone. The client suspects that the parents are using drugs and expresses a desire to help the kids. The social worker should FIRST: A. Process client's feeling about the situation B. Discuss ways the client could help the kids C. Inform the client that the social worker must file a child abuse report D. Determine if the children are in danger
C. Inform the client that the social worker must file a child abuse report
While working in the hospital, a social worker is approached by the mother of a former patient. The mother states that she lost her son to cancer and is interested in knitting blankets for children in the hospital who have cancer. The mother asks if the social worker can tell her the names of the children who have cancer so she can personalize the blankets with their names. The BEST response for the social worker is to: A. Disclose the names of the children. B. Encourage the mother to speak with an oncology nurse. C. Inform the mother that this information cannot be given out. D. Encourage the mother to speak with the families directly.
C. Inform the mother that this information cannot be given out.
A 54 year old Ukrainian male comes in for treatment complaining of irritability and low levels of energy. He lost his job 2 months ago and has found himself drinking more and more often. He states that he cannot afford paying for therapy out of pocket, however, he can use his wife's insurance that covers him up to 12 sessions. When the social worker looks into the details of coverage, he finds out that the insurance company does not cover treatment for some diagnoses, such as Adjustment Disorder or Substance Abuse, which is precisely the diagnosis given to the client. The social worker should: A. Keep the diagnosis as is and discuss bartering with the client. B. Change the diagnosis to Depression NOS, which is covered by the insurance company and submit billing for reimbursement. C. Keep the diagnosis as is and discuss other payment options with the client. D. Discuss the situation with the client and allow him to make an informed decision as to what diagnosis to submit to the insurance company.
C. Keep the diagnosis as is and discuss other payment options with the client.
A social worker is treating a client who recently informed her employer that she was five months pregnant and planning to take maternity leave following the birth of the child. The client soon after received written notice of termination from employment due to "personnel conflicts." The client asks the social worker what she should do. What is the BEST response the social worker should give? A. Request disability insurance. B. Explore alternative employment options. C. Seek legal advice regarding the termination. D. Confront her manager about the termination.
C. Seek legal advice regarding the termination.
A middle-aged African American client, who recently started therapy, reports to a social worker that it's been three months since her friend died. She states that since then she doesn't feel better and now and it feels like it is getting worse. What is the social worker's BEST action? A. Inform client that bereavement takes two years to get better. B. Explain that bereavement is an ongoing process. C. Tell client that depression can develop during the process of bereavement. D. Refer client for medication evaluation.
C. Tell client that depression can develop during the process of bereavement.
A foster care social worker is preparing an update for the court regarding the potential termination of parental rights for the mother of a 6-year-old girl. The social worker has been gathering information from collateral contacts. All of the following would be considered collateral contacts EXCEPT: A. The therapist running the parenting classes in which the mother is enrolled. B. The child's individual therapist. C. The child's older sister. D. The mother's individual therapist.
C. The child's older sister.
An 85-year-old woman has been in the hospital due to ongoing medical problems. The woman lost her husband 5 years ago and has since then been living on her own with the help of family who live nearby. The hospital social worker meets with the physician who states that the client will need to move into an assisted living home. The physician reports that the client will be angry with this plan and therefore asks that the social worker arrange for the move to occur without the client's knowledge. The social worker should tell the physician that: A. Family members should be given the option to have the client live with them. B. The family should be in charge of finding the appropriate placement. C. The client should be a part of the process in deciding what happens next. D. The client should be given the option to select various discharge plans.
C. The client should be a part of the process in deciding what happens next.
A family meets with a social worker for family therapy due to concerns regarding their 16-year-old daughter. The mother reports that their daughter was recently diagnosed with a medical condition that requires medication monitoring and a strict diet. She says that her daughter has many friends, and does well in school, however has recently been questioning her parent's authority and demanding to make her own choices. The father also reports that their daughter refuses to follow her required diet. This behavior is MOST likely due to? A. Her parents misunderstanding of typical adolescent behavior. B. The client is experimenting with drugs and alcohol. C. The client's need to exert control over a part of her life. D. Noncompliance with medication in combination with irregular diet.
C. The client's need to exert control over a part of her life.
A 42-year-old woman is in short-term treatment with a social worker for issues in her long-term relationship. In session, the client frequently deflects questions, makes small talk, and focuses on issues in her best friend's marriage. As the social worker becomes aware of this dynamic, the MOST APPROPRIATE intervention would be to: A. explore how the client deals with problems outside of session. B. respect the client's style of relating. C. confront the client with regards to this pattern. D. remain silent and allow the client to bring up the material.
C. confront the client with regards to this pattern.
A social worker receives a referral for a 32-year-old woman who has a history of depression, low self-esteem, and suicidal ideation. During the initial session, the social worker notices that the client fails to make eye contact, speaks softly, and often appears to be lost in thought, going for long periods of time without speaking. The social worker should FIRST assess for: A. Substance abuse B. An autism spectrum disorder C. A personality disorder D. A history of trauma
D. A history of trauma
A 35 year-old African American woman presents for an initial appointment with a white female social worker. The client has worked at a predominantly male technology company since obtaining her doctoral degree, but is experiencing increasing frustration and anger about how she is treated in the workplace. The social worker says, "I can absolutely imagine how frustrated you are. I'm sure your coworkers aren't intentionally leaving you out, but that's what's happening." The client says angrily, "You absolutely CANNOT imagine my frustration! You have no idea what you're talking about." The social worker should next: A. Explain that she was trying to empathize with the client B. Offer to make a referral to a Black social worker C. Explore how this behavior relates to her difficulties at work D. Acknowledge the social worker's misstep and the client's real experiences of discrimination
D. Acknowledge the social worker's misstep and the client's real experiences of discrimination
A hospital social worker is part of a multidisciplinary treatment team on an orthopedic unit. Part of the social worker's duties involves recording notes in the patients' medical records. The PRIMARY purpose of this documentation is to: A. Facilitate the appropriate discharge plans when necessary. B. Demonstrate to the hospital that appropriate services are being provided. C. Ensure continuity of care once the client has discharged. D. Allow for appropriate communication to occur between team members regarding the care of patients.
D. Allow for appropriate communication to occur between team members regarding the care of patients.
A social worker is assessing a 2-year-old foster child. The social worker notes that the child cries when the caregiver leaves the room and the child is unable to be soothed upon the caregiver's return. What theory is guiding the social worker's assessment? A. Psychodynamic B. Systems C. Behavioral D. Attachment
D. Attachment
A school social worker is referred a 16-year-old girl for missing class. She has been skipping classes, is often moody and is failing to turn in assignments. During the session, she tells the social worker that she is absent from school because her mom drinks a lot and will forget to pick up her sister from kindergarten. The social worker should FIRST: A. Call the mother and schedule a session. B. Identify if there are other people to help with childcare. C. Refer mother to substance abuse treatment. D. Call Children's Protective Services.
D. Call Children's Protective Services.
A social worker is contacted by the local police department requesting the records of a client who recently committed suicide. What is the BEST response for the social worker? A. Consult with their supervisor B. Turn over a copy of the client's record to the police department C. Not share the record under any circumstances D. Contact the client's legal representative to determine how to proceed with the request.
D. Contact the client's legal representative to determine how to proceed with the request.
A researcher with a PhD in social work is interested in looking at help-seeking behaviors in her community. She plans to distribute a survey to all registered voters and analyze the results. This study is best described as using: A. Quasi-experimental design B. Single subject design C. Cross-sequential design D. Cross-sectional design
D. Cross-sectional design
A 20-year-old woman recently started therapy with a social worker due to posttraumatic stress symptoms after being sexually assaulted on her college campus. The mother of the client has contacted the social worker asking for information regarding the client's sessions saying that she " wants to stay in the loop." The social worker's FIRST response to this request would be to: A. Provide the mother with minimal details of the client's treatment. B. Encourage the mother to speak with her daughter directly. C. Set up a family session where the mother is able to directly address her concerns with her daughter. D. Decline to provide information by addressing the confidential nature of the therapeutic relationship with the mother.
D. Decline to provide information by addressing the confidential nature of the therapeutic relationship with the mother.
A school social worker is a member of the local school board and believes extracurricular activity policies are discriminatory toward students who come from lower-income families. What should the social worker do FIRST? A. Refer families to lawyers who specialize in discrimination B. Bring concerns to the next school board meeting C. Utilize local media to inform the community of these concerns D. Document instances of discrimination
D. Document instances of discrimination
A pregnant client is referred to therapy after she tested positive for cocaine. The client states that it was a one-time event and she doesn't have a problem. The social worker is utilizing a stage of change model. During the precontemplation phase of treatment, the social worker would do all of the following EXCEPT: A. Establish rapport and trust. B. Explore events that precipitated treatment. C. Commend the client for entering therapy. D. Explain that the client needs to be open to change for therapy to work.
D. Explain that the client needs to be open to change for therapy to work.
A 25-year-old client has been working with a social worker in a community mental health clinic. The client is often late for appointments and states that she forgets to call in advance to cancel despite being told the attendance policy. When the social worker confronts the client she states, "What's the big deal? It's too hard to be here all the time and you are being unrealistic." The MOST appropriate action for the social worker to make is to: A. Provide the client with a referral to another therapist. B. Reiterate the attendance policy to the client. C. Provide the client with an alternative appointment time. D. Facilitate a conversation about the client's feelings and view of the problem.
D. Facilitate a conversation about the client's feelings and view of the problem.
A hospice social worker is meeting with two women whose father is dying. The social worker should FIRST: A. Address end-of-life wishes. B. Provide referrals to local agencies that can assist with funeral arrangements and costs. C. Encourage the daughters to express unresolved issues to their father. D. Help the daughters understand what to expect during the grief process.
D. Help the daughters understand what to expect during the grief process.
Parents of a 4-year-old boy seek help from a social worker in private practice after finding their son dressing up in his mother's skirts and high heels. The parents report that when they asked their son what he was doing, he said, "going to work, like Mommy!" The social worker should: A. Normalize the parents' concerns B. Explain that these are early signs that their son may be transgender C. Complete a biopsychosocial assessment D. Provide the parents with psychoeducation around typical child development to normalize the child's behavior
D. Provide the parents with psychoeducation around typical child development to normalize the child's behavior
A 53-year-old female, married for 25 years, self-refers to therapy as she has been losing weight and not sleeping. She states that her husband screams and yells when he gets very angry and has hit her in the past. How should the social worker initially respond to the client's disclosure? A. Assist the client in locating appropriate shelters and contact the police. B. Refer the client to a doctor for a medical evaluation and couple's therapy. C. Assist the client in developing a safety plan and refer to psychiatrist. D. Refer the client to a doctor for a medical evaluation and assist the client in developing a safety plan.
D. Refer the client to a doctor for a medical evaluation and assist the client in developing a safety plan.
A social worker has been assisting a 75-year-old woman who recently had surgery and is now on bed rest. A neighbor has been helping the client with everyday tasks so that she can remain at home. During the most recent visit, the social worker has become concerned that the neighbor is stealing valuable items from the client and is not providing appropriate care. The client reports that she wants to continue to live at home, but the home health staff is concerned that intervening will damage the relationship with the client. The social worker's FIRST responsibility is to: A. Work with the client to develop an alternative treatment plan. B. Address concerns with the neighbor. C. Encourage the client to confront her neighbor. D. Report the neighbor to Adult Protective Services (APS).
D. Report the neighbor to Adult Protective Services (APS).
A social worker at a community agency has been meeting with a 15-year-old boy for one month. During the most recent session, the boy discloses that he still meets up occasionally with his previous social worker. The social worker should: A. At the next session, inform the boy that the previous relationship must be terminated. B. Have the client sign a release allowing the social worker to contact the previous social worker. C. Terminate therapeutic relationship. D. Speak directly to the boy about the conflict.
D. Speak directly to the boy about the conflict.
A hospital social worker is preparing a discharge plan for an 82-year-old woman who fell in her home and broke her hip. The client previously lived at home alone and would like to return home if at all possible. In developing a discharge plan, the social worker should FIRST assess: A. The client's social and familial supports B. The client's commitment to participate in physical therapy C. The client's cognitive functioning D. The client's ability to independently engage in activities of daily living
D. The client's ability to independently engage in activities of daily living
A school social worker is hired mid-year after several student suicides at the high school. The social worker discovers that the school's Vice Principal has been the point person for evaluating students who express suicidal ideation, despite not having a mental health background or training. The social worker implements a protocol in which only trained mental health professionals formally evaluate students who express suicidal ideation. All of the following are reasons for this change of protocol EXCEPT? A. To create a systematized process for responding to students reporting thoughts of suicide B. To prevent future suicides from occurring C. To ensure staff are operating within their scope of competency D. To empower all staff to evaluate students for suicide risk
D. To empower all staff to evaluate students for suicide risk
A social worker meets with a 14-year-old client who enters the session in tears. The client says she is afraid for her 15-year-old best friend, who lives in a group home. The client says that her friend recently had a black eye and marks on her wrists that appear to be from straps. When the client asked her friend about these marks, her friend changed the subject, but the client says that her friend has become more withdrawn lately. The social worker working from a psychodynamic perspective should NEXT: A. Contact the group home supervisor to address ethical consideration. B. Role play with the client another conversation she should have with her friend about the possibility of abuse. C. Help the client experience a cathartic moment regarding the situation. D. Validate the client's concerns and make a child abuse report.
D. Validate the client's concerns and make a child abuse report.
A 32-year-old male with criminal history has been in therapy for several months to deal with anxiety and relationship issues. One session he shares that he robbed an electronics store three days prior. The social worker's BEST response is to: A. make a police report. B. call the store and inform them of what happened. C. talk to the client about turning himself in. D. maintain confidentiality and process the incident with the client.
D. maintain confidentiality and process the incident with the client.
A social worker meets a client who is in her 8th month of her first pregnancy. The client and social worker have been working for several years around the client's Generalized Anxiety Disorder. During the session, the client discloses that she has continued to take her PRN Xanax even though it may have a harmful impact on her baby. She confirms that her OB-GYN is aware of this and has provided her with the relevant research. The social worker realizes she is feeling judgmental about the client's ongoing medication use. The BEST approach to this situation is: A. express a genuine sense of being perplexed by the client's decision. B. contact the psychiatrist and share concerns. C. have another conversation with the client making sure she is adequately processing the reality of negative side effects. D. manage countertransference by consulting with a colleague.
D. manage countertransference by consulting with a colleague.
A social worker in an outpatient clinic is assigned a Korean American client. The social worker has never worked with the Asian population before and discusses the situation with her supervisor. The supervisor encourages the social worker to be sensitive to which emotional process? A. Shame B. Rage C. Depression D. Anxiety
A. Shame
Which of the following treatments would be MOST appropriate for a teenager who experienced childhood sexual abuse?: A. TFCBT B. Psychodynamic Therapy C. Motivational Interviewing D. DBT
A. TFCBT
A supervisee is unexpectedly dismissed from her job by her supervisor. The supervisee requests that she wants to contact her client about her dismissal but her supervisor denies her request. The supervisee's BEST action is to: A. Tell the supervisor that the code of ethics states proper termination B. Call state board and report supervisor C. Send letters to clients D. Appeal supervisor's decision to managed care
A. Tell the supervisor that the code of ethics states proper termination
A social worker sees a 75-year old Asian American man whose wife died six months ago. In the intake interview, the client reports that he has lost weight, has very little energy, and has difficulty getting himself to do things. What should the social worker do FIRST: A. Complete a suicide risk assessment of the client B. Explore available family and community resources C. Suggest the client schedule an appointment with his doctor D. Refer the client to a local bereavement group
A. Complete a suicide risk assessment of the client
A social worker at a psychiatric hospital has been working with an adult man to prepare him for discharge. In speaking with the client, the social worker learns that the client has a limited family and social network. To help the client successfully discharge and re-enter the community, which social work activity will BEST support the client in this transition? A. Connecting with agencies in the community B. Connecting the client to financial assistance resources C. Encouraging the client to join a support group D. Assisting the client in applying to local housing
A. Connecting with agencies in the community
A social worker in a community agency is meeting with a 67-year-old woman who tells the social worker that she has lost interest in her spouse after 40 years of being happily married. The client also reports feeling disconnected from friends and agitated during the day. The woman states that she worked as a nurse for many years but stopped working after a double mastectomy and subsequent chemotherapy, which concluded 2 months ago. The social worker should FIRST: A. Determine when the client's problems first began. B. Refer the client for psychiatric evaluation. C. Obtain a signed release to consult with client's doctor. D. Refer the client to an exercise program.
A. Determine when the client's problems first began.
A social worker is part of a multidisciplinary team at a residential drug and alcohol treatment center. During the initial interview session, clients should be made aware that confidential disclosures are: A. Disclosed to other members of the treatment team. B. Kept solely between the social worker and the client. C. Disclosed only when the client expresses harm to self or others. D. At no point shared with others.
A. Disclosed to other members of the treatment team.
A psychiatric hospital social worker is working with a man who was committed to the hospital after physically assaulting his wife. The man tells the social worker that he blames his wife for how he feels and says, "I would hurt her again if she was here right now." At the end of the conversation, the man says he didn't mean what he said and asks the social worker to not tell anyone. The social worker should FIRST: A. Inform the treatment team after documenting the threat. B. Call the police to notify them of the threat. C. Address the threat with the client and create a treatment plan. D. Speak with the client's wife to address the threat.
A. Inform the treatment team after documenting the threat.
A social worker receives a call from a 34-year-old woman who has been in treatment for two months. She has just been raped by her ex-boyfriend who broke into her apartment while she was sleeping. He left her alone in her apartment and threatened to come back. What should the social worker's initial focus with her be? A. Instruct her to file a police report and go to the emergency room. B. Help her create a safety plan and file a police report on her behalf. C. Encourage her to file a police report and help her assume responsibility for the rape. D. Suggest that she goes to the emergency room and file a police report on her behalf.
A. Instruct her to file a police report and go to the emergency room.
A social worker in a small rural community has decided to consult with a colleague about a client who does not seem to be progressing in therapy. As part of the consultation the social worker's BEST course of action is to: A. Obtain a release from the client since the colleague might know him / her. B. Make the best effort at omitting any identifying information about the client. C. Disguise the client's identity by changing demographic information. D. Convey minimum amount of information needed to get help.
A. Obtain a release from the client since the colleague might know him / her.
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 FIRST? A. Provide the client with honest information regarding social worker's credentials. B. Confront the client about the evasive responses. C. Ask how the client feels about seeking help. D. Explain that the social worker has treated a lot of patients like him.
A. Provide the client with honest information regarding social worker's credentials.
During a supervision session at a community agency, a social work supervisor makes a sexual advance towards their clinical supervisee. What should the social work supervisee's INITIAL action be?: A. Report this incident to HR at their agency B. Begin working toward obtaining a new supervisor C. Explain to the supervisor that this is not appropriate D. Report the supervisor to their regulatory board
A. Report this incident to HR at their agency
A 32-year-old woman with a history of Bipolar II Disorder has been stable on medication for over a year. She arrives at her session with her social worker and is agitated, disheveled, and is speaking rapidly. She reports that she had a terrible cold over the weekend, couldn't sleep, and took an over-the-counter decongestant. The social worker understands her current presentation as: A. The probable result of her discontinuing her psychiatric medication B. A hypomanic episode induced by the over-the-counter medication C. A typical response to the over-the-counter medication D. A probable progression of her Bipolar II to Bipolar I disorder
B. A hypomanic episode induced by the over-the-counter medication
A social worker has been treating a Native American woman for 3 months. The social worker has noticed that the woman often tells stories in response to questions asked by the social worker. The social worker should respond to this dynamic by: A. Refer to a therapist from the client's cultural group. B. Accept the client's form of communication. C. Confront the client about her avoidance. D. Remind the client about her reasons for seeking treatment.
B. Accept the client's form of communication.
A new student at a high school is told by a school administrator that she cannot wear her ethnic headdress to school. The student is very upset and is sent to the social worker's office. After processing the situation with the student, what should the social worker do NEXT? A. Contact her parents and inform them of situation. B. Advocate for the client by addressing the issue with the principal. C. Host a diversity training with the administration. D. Suggest that the student transfer to another school.
B. Advocate for the client by addressing the issue with the principal.
A 13-year old boy discloses a history of sexual abuse. He informs the social worker that his former social worker touched him during several sessions to demonstrate what is appropriate versus sexually inappropriate touch. What is the social worker's BEST response? A. Maintain confidentiality B. Confront the social worker C. Report child abuse to appropriate authorities D. Report misconduct of social worker to state licensing board
C. Report child abuse to appropriate authorities
A 42-year-old woman has been in therapy for depression for two years. She has met the mutually agreed-upon goals. She requests ongoing therapy because she does not want her life to go back to the way it was. What course of treatment is most indicated at this point? A. Discuss termination issues and maintain regularly scheduled sessions. B. Discuss termination issues and gradually decrease the frequency of contact. C. Reformulate goals and address anxiety inhibiting client autonomy. D. Reformulate goals and normalize client's fears of independent living.
B. Discuss termination issues and gradually decrease the frequency of contact.
After working with a client for three months, a social worker notices that she is having trouble remaining impartial to the client and not letting her own values interfere with the treatment. The social worker's BEST response is to: A. Consult with colleagues. B. Discuss the case with a supervisor. C. Address the value conflict with the client. D. Provide the client with referrals to another social worker.
B. Discuss the case with a supervisor.
The parents of a 2-year-old meet with a social worker stating that they are frustrated with their son who is constantly refusing to do what they say. The mother states, "All he does is say no, or does the opposite of what I want him to do." The father admits that his wife and him have minimal understanding of child development and what behaviors a 2-year-old should be exhibiting. What should the social worker do FIRST to help serve this family most effectively? A. Provide the parents with a referral to a parenting class. B. Empathize with the parents' frustrations and address ways they can better manage their child's behaviors. C. Encourage the parents to read child development books. D. Complete a comprehensive family history.
B. Empathize with the parents' frustrations and address ways they can better manage their child's behaviors.
The parents of a 16-year-old boy make an appointment to meet with a social worker due to ongoing arguments at home. During the initial meeting, the boy reports feeling angry that his parents do not listen to him or value his feelings. His mother agrees, saying that she wishes they were all able to communicate better with one another. In creating a treatment plan, the social worker should write the objective as: A. Communication skills will improve for the majority of the week. B. No more than two arguments will be reported per week. C. Communication skills will improve 75 percent of the time. D. No arguments will be reported by the client during the week.
B. No more than two arguments will be reported per week.
A hospital social worker is preparing a discharge plan that includes a referral to a community mental health agency for counseling. The client will MOST likely follow through with the referral if the social worker: A. Clearly states the consequences of not using the referral. B. Outlines the benefits of the agency and how the agency can help the client. C. Ensures that the client understands that following through is optional. D. Informs the client that a staff member at the agency will be waiting to hear from him.
B. Outlines the benefits of the agency and how the agency can help the client.
A 24-year-old seeks therapy on the advice of his new girlfriend. He reports that he is taking neuroleptics prescribed by his psychiatrist. Neuroleptics are most commonly prescribed for which of the following? A. Bipolar B. Psychosis C. Depression D. Memory loss
B. Psychosis
The director of a social services agency is interested in developing a new social skills program to help children with ADHD. In working with staff, the director splits the appropriate clients into two groups: one group will undergo the experimental social skills group; the other will participate in an evidenced-based social skills protocol. This is best described as: A. Single-subject design B. Quasi-experimental design C. Randomized controlled trial D. Cross-sectional design
B. Quasi-experimental design
Which of the following type of progress notes looks at the subjective report of the client, the objective observations of the therapist, an assessment of the client's diagnosis/presenting condition, and a plan to address the presenting issues? A. Progress notes B. SOAP notes C. Process notes D. DAP note
B. SOAP notes
A client receives treatment for substance use by a social worker who is a recovering alcoholic. During the course of this client's treatment, the social worker begins to experience cravings to use alcohol and feels increasingly angry toward the client. Which of the following actions should the social worker take? A. Terminate services with the client and provide appropriate referrals. B. Seek immediate consultation with a supervisor for identifying and resolving countertransference issues. C. Return to alcohol treatment program for personal assistance with maintaining sobriety. D. Share feelings with client as way of creating a supportive common ground of experience.
B. Seek immediate consultation with a supervisor for identifying and resolving countertransference issues.
Parents seek treatment for their 21-year-old daughter because they are concerned about her binge eating. What is the most accurate source of information when diagnosing eating disorders? A. Family history B. Self reports by client C. Eating inventory D. Behavior observation log
B. Self reports by client
A 45-year-old lawyer comes to his session drunk. The social worker's INITIAL response would be to: A. Discuss his decision to drink before the session. B. Determine whether he was driving drunk. C. Reschedule the session and assist him in finding a safe way home. D. Call someone to come pick him up.
C. Reschedule the session and assist him in finding a safe way home.
6-year-old and 4-year-old siblings were placed in foster care after reports of neglect were made by a neighbor. Despite ongoing casework and an extension of services, the single mother of the young kids has made no progress in changing her behaviors. It has been determined by the child services agency that the process to terminate parental rights should begin to take place. The NEXT step the foster care worker should take is to: A. Increase meetings with the mother to encourage a change in behavior. B. Appoint a legal guardian for the children. C. Meet with the children in order to prepare them for changes that will occur as parental rights are terminated. D. Advocate for the mother by encouraging Child Protective Services (CPS) to give her another extension for casework services.
C. Meet with the children in order to prepare them for changes that will occur as parental rights are terminated.
A social worker has recently discovered that a colleague at the same agency has developed a platonic outside relationship with a client's spouse while providing couples therapy for them. The social worker's FIRST action should be to: A. Address the ethical violation with the client's spouse. B. Meet with a supervisor to address the ethical violation. C. Meet with the colleague to address the potential ethical violation. D. File a complaint with the licensing board.
C. Meet with the colleague to address the potential ethical violation.
A therapist is facilitating an anger management group for men who have been court-ordered for treatment due to domestic violence charges. During the initial session, the group members ask the therapist questions about confidentiality and how much information from group will be shared with the court. The therapist should: A. Explain that the court will only be provided with general treatment summaries B. Explain that all information from groups will be shared with the court C. Review the requirements from the court to identify what information will be shared D. Encourage clients to only share information they feel comfortable being passed on to the court
C. Review the requirements from the court to identify what information will be shared
A social worker in a community clinic meets with a recently retired 63-year-old man and his wife. During the first meeting, the wife reports that she wants her husband to get help because she is concerned about him, due to recent behavior changes, increased irritability, and difficulty focusing. The FIRST step the social worker should take is to: A. Assist the client in structuring his time better. B. Explore the client's feelings regarding retirement. C. Provide the client with a referral for a comprehensive physical exam. D. Assure the client it is normal to experience these symptoms during life transitions such as retirement.
C. Provide the client with a referral for a comprehensive physical exam.
A 22-year-old man who is diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder meets with a social worker. During the initial interview with the social worker, the client states the he feels like he is always in crisis. The social worker feels uncomfortable working with the client since she has no experience in this area. Social work ethics require that the social worker: A. Research effective treatments for borderline personality disorder. B. Consult with a colleague who is skilled in treatment of borderline personality disorder. C. Provide the client with a referral to a therapist who is knowledgeable in this area. D. Assist the client in identifying effective coping mechanisms.
C. Provide the client with a referral to a therapist who is knowledgeable in this area.
A Native American man seeks therapy for alcohol abuse. In developing a treatment plan, how should the social worker take into consideration both his culture and his struggle with alcoholism? A. Refer him to an inpatient substance abuse facility. B. Ask how many friends in the Native American community he has. C. Recommend that he enroll in a group for Native Americans dealing with alcoholism. D. Consult his tribe in regard to how to treat this issue.
C. Recommend that he enroll in a group for Native Americans dealing with alcoholism.
A social worker has started to work with a 15-year-old boy who came in feeling confused because he has started to have feelings for other boys at school. The client states that his parents are very religious and would be upset if they found out he was gay. The social worker realizes after meeting with the client for a month that her own values may be interfering with her relationship with the client. The MOST appropriate action for the social worker to take is to: A. Provide the client with referrals to another social worker. B. Meet with the client and his parents in order to address the client's concerns. C. Continue to meet with the client. D. Meet with a supervisor to address the value conflict.
D. Meet with a supervisor to address the value conflict.
A social worker at an agency received a written request about a former client to send a summary of client's mental health treatment. What is the BEST response to the request? A. Send all treatment records. B. Send only medication. C. Send only progress. D. Send only selected portion of records.
D. Send only selected portion of records.
An 8-year-old boy is constantly falling asleep at his desk during school and often arrives to school in dirty clothes. Due to these concerns, the boy's teacher refers him to the school social worker. The social worker should FIRST: A. Have the school nurse evaluate the boy. B. Make a report to Child Protective Services (CPS). C. Refer the child to a community mental health center that specializes in children. D. Set up a meeting with the parents and the child.
D. Set up a meeting with the parents and the child.
