LMSW Question of the Week

Question 1

A client who struggles with alcoholism is prescribed medication that makes him feel sick everytime he drinks while taking it. The use of this medication is what type of operant technique?

A. Extinction
B. Flooding
C. Aversion therapy
D. In vivo desensitization

Answer 1

C. Aversion Therapy

Aversion therapy or treatment is aimed at reducing the attractiveness of a stimulus or a behavior by pairing it with an aversive stimulus. An example of this technique is treating alcoholism with antabuse.

Question 2

A client who has repeatedly stated that she hates her sister tells a social worker that she just asked her sister to be the maid of honor in her wedding. The social worker points out that this action appears contradictory to her feelings about her sister. This statement by the social worker is known as a:

A. Clarification
B. Generalization
C. Paradoxical instruction
D. Confrontation

Answer 2

D. Confrontation

Confrontation is calling attention to something. Clarification is reformulating a problem in the client’s words to make sure there is a mutual understanding of the issue. Generalization or normalization of behavior is often used to show the client that what he or she is feeling or experiencing is typical and understandable. A paradoxical instruction is prescribing the opposite of what you want the client to do; commonly referred to as “reverse psychology.”

Question 3

Upon intake, a woman tells a social worker that she was brutally beaten by her boyfriend 6 months ago, but it was an isolated incident and there have been no further acts of violence. Since that time, he has been remorseful and attentive. In this situation, the social worker should FIRST:

A. Tell the client that the boyfriend’s behavior was unacceptable.
B. Document the incident in the assessment but do not include it as a treatment issue since no further incidents occurred.
C. Explore with the client the degree to which the incident affected her relationship with her boyfriend.
D. Evaluate the need for medical and protective services.

Answer 3

D. Evaluate the need for medical and protective services.

The cycle of abuse indicates that this may be the “honeymoon” phase that happens after a battering incident. Just because there has not been any violence in the last 6 months does not mean that the battering will not occur in the future. The “honeymoon” phase leads to “tension building” and then violence in the future. The social worker must address the medical needs and safety issues of the client FIRST according to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

Question 4

A client is very distressed because she is physically attracted to individuals of the same gender. She has become increasingly upset by these desires and wants to find ways to eliminate them. The feelings that the client is experiencing are:

A. Latent
B. Ego alien
C. Ego-syntic
D. Rooted in the pleasure principle

Answer 4

B. Ego Alien

“Ego alien” means these feelings are experienced as being alien to the ego and not consistent with the client’s interests, conflicting with the rest of her view of herself.

Question 5

According to the Tarasoff decision, in order for a social worker to have a duty to warn, all of the following must be present EXCEPT:

A. The threat of danger
B. An identifiable third party
C. A client history of violence against others
D. Personal harm must be imminent

Answer 5

C. A client history of violence against others

Duty to warn has become an important mandate in Social work. Generally, a social worker has to believe that a client is a danger to an identifiable third party and that the client is able to act on this danger in order for it to be considered necessary to warn and/or protect the intended victim. For example, if a client states that he or she is going to kill “women”, a social worker may consider this client a danger to others and take appropriate action. However, there is not an obligation to notify intended victims) because the threat is too broad and does not require notification to women in general. In addition, if a client who is incarcerated and not going to be released makes a threat against someone outside the prison to whom he or she does not have access, there is no imminent threat. A history of violence is not required for a social worker’s duty to warn obligation.

Question 6

A social worker is working with a client who is anxious about public speaking. The social worker asks the client to close her eyes, visualize herself speaking to a large group and describe her feelings related to the imaginary situation in detail. This technique by the social worker is known as:

A. Covert modeling
B. Self-modeling
C. Live modeling
D. Symbolic modeling

Answer 6

A. Covert modeling

Covert modeling is when the clients are asked to use their imagination, visualize the desired behavior, and describe it in detail. Self- modeling is when clients are videotaped demonstrating the desired behavior and this tape is watched and discussed. Live modeling refers to watching a real person performing the desired behavior. Symbolic modeling includes watching others who have been videotaped perform the desired behavior.

Question 7

A client is having difficulty finding a career that is fulfilling to her. She has repeatedly taken jobs that she quit because “they just don’t fit.” In order to assist the cline tin resolving this problem, which of the following tests may be used?

A. Minnesota Multiphasic B. Personality Inventory
B. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
C. Thematic Apperception Test
D. Wechsler Intelligence Scale

Answer 7

B. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) attempts to describe personality features. The client may find the MBTI test useful as a way of understanding herself. The client may want to pursue careers that allow her to make use of her natural preferences. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory is a personality test for the assessment of psychopathology. The Thematic Apperception Test provides information on a client’s perceptions and imagination, for use in the understanding of the subject’s current needs, motives, emotions, and conflicts, both conscious and unconscious.
The Wechsler Intelligence Scale is designed as a measure of a child’s intellectual and cognitive ability.

Question 8

All of the following are true about empathetic communication EXCEPT:

A. Empathetic communication bridges the gap between the social worker and the client by establishing rapport.
B. Empathetic communication is nonjudgmental, accepting and genuine.
C. Empathetic communication is verbal communication in which the client is engaged in oral problem solving and processing of new information.
D. Empathetic communication decreases defensiveness and encourages a more rational discussion of problems.

Answer 8

C. Empathetic communication is verbal communication in which the client is engaged in oral problem solving and processing of new information.

Empathetic communication also includes the client’s nonverbal messages. A social worker can observe body language and make explicit a client’s feelings, as well as communicate, through eye contact and posture, interest, and understanding in what the client is saying.

Question 9

A social worker is interested in seeing the extent to which current clients are satisfied with a new relapse prevention program. The social worker distributes a client satisfaction survey to those in the program. The social worker then collects the surveys and analyzes the results that are presented to a management team in the agency. The social worker is conducting which type of evaluation?

A. Summative
B. Experimental
C. Quasi-experimental
D. Formative

Answer 9

D. Formative

Formative evaluations examine the process of delivering services, whereas summative evaluations examine the outcomes. Formative evaluations are ongoing processes that allow for feedback to be implemented during the service delivery. These types of evaluations allow social workers to make changes as needed to help achieve program goals. Summative evaluations occur at the end of services and provide an overall description of their effectiveness. Summative evaluation examines outcomes to determine whether objectives were met.

Question 10

A social worker is appointed by the court to conduct a child custody evaluation for a couple that is divorcing. The mother reports that her husband is verbally abusive, controlling, and neglects the children when they are in his care. She reports that the children have missed a lot of school when staying with their father because he does not assist with getting ready for school or doing their homework. The father states that his wife is lazy. Irresponsible, and cannot meet the basic needs of the children. He reports that the school frequently has to provide lunch for the children because the mother does not supply it when they are in her care. In order to BEST evaluate the legitimacy of the information, the social worker should:

A. Ask the husband and the wife to put their allegations in writing and sign them, attesting to their accuracy
B. Determine whether the husband or wife have had any past instances with being untruthful
C. Always speak to the husband and wife together so that they are more likely to be honest
D. Obtain information from school personnel and records after obtaining parental consent.

Answer 10

D. Obtain information from school personnel and records after obtaining parental consent.

Collateral information is often used when credibility and validity of information obtained from a client or others is questionable. For example, child custody cases are inherently characterized by biased data within an adversarial process. Social workers should use data from neutral parties, such as the school, because this information has higher integrity.

Question 11

A woman who used ASL to communicate comes to a community-based agency to see a social worker who is deaf. The woman is in need of mental health services that are not provided at this agency. In this situation the social worker should:

A. Provide the services in order to meet the client’s needs since it is unlikely that she will be able to find a social worker in the mental health agency who knows ASL.
B. Contact a mental health agency with the woman to see what accommodations are available.
C. Provide whatever services are available in the agency so the woman gets some help.
D. Make a referral to an advocacy organization for those who are deaf to see if they can assist.

Answer 11

B. Contact a mental health agency with the woman to see what accommodations are available.

Choice A calls for the social worker to work outside his or her school. Choice C does not meet the woman’s need, and referring her to an advocacy organization for those who are deaf (choice D) may just result in an extra step that does not result in service. The woman also may not identify with the deaf culture and may want to go to a generic mental health agency with an accommodation.

Question 12

A mother states that her 12-year-old son is now able to stay home alone because he is aware of dangers, meets his basic needs, and problem-solves when needed. This child has reached which stage of cognitive development?

A. Sensorimotor
B. Formal operations
C. Concrete operations
D. Preoperational

Answer 12

B. Formal operations

Piaget defined four stages of cognitive development. They are sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operations, and formal operations. The formal operational stage begins at about age 11 and is characterized by a higher level of abstraction, assuming adult roles, and thinking hypothetically

Question 13

Projective tests are based on which of the following theoretical perspectives?

A. Behavior Management
B. Psychoanalytic theory
C. Cognitive behavioral
D. Self psychology

Answer 13

B. Psychoanalytic Theory

In a projective test, a client offers responses to ambiguous scenes, words, or images. This type of test emerged from a psychoanalytic approach, which suggested that clients have unconscious thoughts or urges. Projective tests are intended to uncover unconscious desires that are hidden from conscious awareness.

Question 14

All of the following are true about crisis intervention EXCEPT:

A. It is time limited
B. It focuses on the “here and now”
C. It must follow a major life event
D. It involves a high level of intervention and activity by the social worker

Answer 14

C. It must follow a major life event

A crisis does not need to be triggered by a major life event. Crisis intervention is focused on the “here and now” and is time limited. As the goal is to intervene quickly, there is usually a heightened level of activity by the social worker to assist clients in alleviating stress and returning to the previous level of functioning

Question 15

A man who is having problems at work finds that he is yelling at his children more and has begun to have marital issues with his wife. The husband is most likely using the defense mechanism of:

A. Reaction formation
B. Projection
C. Conversion
D. Displacement

Answer 15

D. Displacement

Displacement is directing an impulse, wish, or feeling toward another person or situation that is less threatening. In this scenario, the man unconsciously realizes that he cannot express his anger on the job, as it may have negative consequences. So, he goes home and yells at his wife and children.

Question 16

A private pay client has made substantial progress and achieved all stated treatment goals, but wants to continue to see a social worker “in case something comes up.” In the situation the social worker should:

A. Continue to see the client at the regular fee in order to respect the client’s self-determination
B. Begin termination with the client
C. Continue to see the client, but reduce the fee since the treatment goals have been achieved
D. Refer the client to another social worker because it appears that the client may have become dependent on the social worker.

Answer 16

B. Begin termination with the client

It is unethical to continue to treat when services are no longer needed or serve the client’s interests. The fee charged is not relevant to this standard.

Question 17

If a client has a substance abuse disorder in addition to schizophrenia, these two disorders are considered to be:

A. Premorbid
B. Co-morbid
C. Contraindicated
D. Dissociated

Answer 17

B. Co-morbid

Co-morbid refers to two problems, conditions, or disorders that exist at the same time-such as the presence of a mental health and substance use issue, or a mental health and a medical problem.

Question 18

A client has just been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Using a systems approach, the social worker should:

A. Develop a plan for long-term care aimed at meeting the client’s medical needs
B. Work with the client on addressing the impacts of this prognosis on his or her psychological and spiritual well-being
C. Consider whether continuing to treat the client is in the client’s best interests given the prognosis
D. Reexamine treatment goals to see if they are still relevant or need to be revised given the health information.

Answer 18

B. Work with the client on addressing the impacts of this prognosis on his or her psychological and spiritual well-being

A systems approach states that all parts and well-being are interrelated or
interconnected. Thus, a change in physical health will impact on psychological and spiritual functioning. The treatment should not focus on just the health issues, but ensure that these other areas are considered.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT true about motivation to change?

A. Motivation fluctuates from one time to another
B. Motivation can be increased by working to remove barriers to change
C. Motivation is driven by hope or the belief that life can be different
D. Motivation that is imposed by external forces is more silent than that which is intrinsic

Answer 19

D. Motivation that is imposed by external forces is more silent than that which is intrinsic

\Motivation is a state of readiness or eagerness to change, which fluctuates from one time to another. The role of the social worker is to create an atmosphere that is conducive to change and to increase the client’s intrinsic motivation, so that change arises from within rather than being imposed from without. If a client is driven to change internally, it is much more likely that the change effort will be sustained. A technique to increase motivation is to work to remove barriers and instill hope or the belief that life can be different.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT assessed as part of a routine mental health status examination?

A. Thought processes/reality testing
B. Psychiatric pathology
C. Orientation
D. Judgment/insight

Answer 20

B. Psychiatric pathology

A mental status examination is a structured way of observing and describing a client’s current state of mind, under the domains of appearance, attitude, behavior, mood and affect, speech, thought process, thought content, perception, cognition, insight, and judgment. A mental status examination is a necessary part of any client assessment no matter what the presenting problem. It is not a psychiatric evaluation and does not determine a DSM diagnosis.

Question 21

An agency hires a consultant to assist a social worker to become more competent in addressing substance use issues. The social worker shows the consultant a few client assessment documents and case notes to provide needed background on the kinds of substance use problems that the social worker is facing in practice. The social worker’s actions are:

A. Unethical because the clients need to consent to disclosure of this information
B. Ethical because the consultant was hired by the agency and therefore can see this information without client consent
C. Ethical because this information is accessible to anyone in the agency and available for teaching or training purposes
D. Unethical because the social worker should have shown the records of all clients with substance use problems to give the consultant complete information related to all the problems that the social worker is treating

Answer 21

A. Unethical because the clients need to consent to disclosure of this information

Social Workers should not disclose identifying information when discussing clients for teaching or training purposes unless the client has consented to disclosure of confidential information. In addition, social workers should not disclose identifying information when discussing clients with consultants unless the client has consented to disclosure of confidential information or there is a compelling need for such disclosure.

Question 22

A social worker finds that a client has poor interpersonal skills. The BEST intervention that a social worker can use to address these issues is:

A. Engaging the client in a psychoeducational group aimed at providing information about communication skills.
B. Modeling appropriate verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
C. Conducting intensive psychotherapy aimed at addressing the communication deficits.
D. Providing the client with individual instruction on appropriate interpersonal skills

Answer 22

B. Modeling appropriate verbal and nonverbal communication skills.

Modeling is a very effective method for teaching and should be used whenever possible. Showing a client how to interact is better than providing individual or group instruction. In addition, the social worker should not assume that the skill deficits are a result of a deeper clinical issue.

Question 23

Which of the following is TRUE about psychodynamic treatment modalities or approaches?

A. They are good for use in a managed care environment where change has to occur in a limited time period.
B. They are focused only on the information that a person is paying attention to at a given time.
C. They use dynamic intervention methods that are hands-on, such as play therapy.
D. They emphasize unconscious motives and desires as well as the importance of childhood experiences in shaping personality.

Answer 23

D. They emphasize unconscious motives and desires as well as the importance of childhood experiences in shaping personality.

Psychodynamic theories explain the origin of personality. Although many different psychodynamic theories exist, they all emphasize unconscious motives and desires, as well as the importance of childhood experiences in shaping personality.

Question 24

A client was referred to a mental health agency for treatment. Upon admission, he reported feeling lethargic and hopeless and had difficulty getting out of bed. Several weeks later, he stated that he is sleepless, agitated, and unable to focus. Which of the following medications is the client most likely to be prescribed?

A. Ativan (lorazepam)
B. Nardil (phenelzine)
C. Lithium (lithium carbonate)
D. Buspar (buspirone)

Answer 24

C. Lithium

Ativan and buspar are anti-anxiety medications, and nardil is an antidepressant. Lithium is a mood stabilizer, and this client appears to be experiencing depression upon admission as well as mania late rin treatment; a mood stabilizer is used for the treatment of bipolar disorder

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT an essential step in ethical problem-solving? A. Identifying the ethical standards that may be compromised B. Determining whether there is an ethical dilemma C. Weighing ethical issues in light of social work values D. Asking a supervisor to monitor practice to identify new ethical issues or dilemmas

Answer 25

D. Asking a supervisor to monitor practice to identify new ethical issues or dilemmas A social worker, not his or her supervisor, should monitor practice to identify whether new issues or dilemmas arise

Question 26

A social worker is facilitating A psychotherapy group for individuals who are in recovery from substance abuse. After the group, a client mentions that she has been having problems dealing with stress without the use of substances. In order to meet this client's needs, the social worker should: A. Recommend that the client see the social worker individually in addition to group therapy because she appears to need some additional support. B. Suggest that the client bring this topic up in the group next week to see if others are having similar problems. C. Evaluate whether group therapy is the best treatment modality for the client due to the issue being mentioned to the social worker outside of the group context. D. Determine if there is an employee assistance program in the client's work setting to assist.

Answer 26

B. Suggest that the client bring this topic up in the group next week to see if others are having similar problems. In Group therapy, the group is the major helping agent. Issues should be brought back to the group to address. There is no need for the client to see the social worker for individual therapy. Contacting an employee assistance program would breach confidentiality.

Question 27

Most models of spiritual development move from an individual being egocentric to eventually becoming a(n): A. Conformist B. Integrated being C. Dichotomous thinker D. Follower of blind faith

Answer 27

B. Integrated being Individuals usually begin unwilling to accept a will greater than their own and are extremely egotistical. They then move to conforming and having blind faith. In this second stage, things are seen dichotomously as right or wrong. Individuals then come to develop a deeper understanding of good and evil and do not accept blind faith but integrate their beliefs into their larger worldview and behaviors.

Question 28

A client has been experiencing severe depression and previously expressed thoughts aimed at hurting herself, appears less hopeless and to have a more positive affect. In this situation, the social worker should first: A. Acknowledge the recent improvement in depressive symptoms to the client B. Determine the coping skills that the client is using to bring about change C. Focus on other immediate goals that are a concern to the client D. Conduct a suicide risk assessment

Answer 28

D. Conduct a suicide risk assessment A sign of a possible suicide attempt is a recent improvement in depressive symptoms. A client is also at greater risk after being discharged from the hospital or after being started on antidepressants because he or she may now have the energy to implement a suicide plan. The social worker should assess the client for suicide risk immediately.

Question 29

A social worker who is in a private mental health practice recently earned a doctorate from an accredited university in an unrelated field. She adds “Dr.” to her name on her private practice business card this practice is: A. Unethical since it is not related to mental health treatment B. Ethical since she earned A doctorate that entitles her to list it C. Unethical unless she discloses that it is in another field when asked D. Ethical since it was from an accredited university

Answer 29

A. Unethical since it is not related to mental health treatment Social workers should represent themselves as competent only within the boundaries of their education, training, license, certification, consultation received, supervised experience, or other relevant professional experience. Listing herself as “Dr.” on a card for mental health treatment can be misleading to clients who would believe that the degree is related to the services advertised on the card.

Question 30

A client barges into a social worker's office, yelling in a loud and hostile manner. The most effective method for the social worker to address the situation is to. A. Tell the client that it is not possible to speak now, but his or her concerns can be discussed during a scheduled appointment. B. Listen to the client's concerns and provide other methods to reach the social worker in the future if problems arise. C. Contact agency security immediately to remove the client in order not to reinforce the behavior D. Instruct the client on appropriate tone and voice volume when interacting with others

Answer 30

B. Listen to the client's concerns and provide other methods to reach the social worker in the future if problems arise. The client is clearly exhibiting a lot of emotion. In this state, providing direction or instruction will not be effective and can escalate the situation. Listening or being silent is a good technique to diffuse the hostility, but limit setting may also be needed. The client should be provided with alternate strategies for accessing the social worker if a need arises in the future.

Question 31

Which of the following is not a practice that promotes cultural competence within social work organizations? Recruiting multi-ethnic staff Including cultural competence requirements in job descriptions and performance/ promotion measures Advocating for clients as major stakeholders in the development and monitoring of the service delivery system Ensuring employees get a copy of the professional code of ethics to review upon hiring and needed thereafter

Answer 31

D. Ensuring employees get a copy of the professional code of ethics to review upon hiring and needed thereafter Some approaches within organizations to promote cultural competency include recruiting multiethnic staff, including cultural competence requirements in job descriptions and performance/promotion measures, reviewing demographic trends for the geographic area served to determine service needs, creating service delivery systems that are more appropriate to the diversity of the target population, and advocating for clients as major stakeholders in the development of service delivery systems to ensure they are reflective of their cultural heritage.

Question 32

Which of the following is an example of social stratification? A. A child is not included in group activities in school because of his or her poor social skills B. Children who are violent need to be segregated from their peers C. A child with social deficits is assumed to be delayed in cognition without additional assessment D. Children from affluent households receive better public education than those from low-income households

Answer 32

D. Children from affluent households receive better public education than those from low-income households Stratification refers to structured inequality of entire categories of people in society who have unequal access to social rewards. Stratification applies to individuals based on ethnic and racial background, social status, and/or other factors

Question 33

A young boy is stopped by a police officer and claims that he is a member of the armed forces, though it is obvious that he is not. This assertion by the boy is most likely a: A. Co-morbid thought B. Dissociation C. Folie a deux D. Delusion

Answer 33

D. Delusion A delusion is a false, fixed belief despite evidence to the contrary (i.e., believing something that is not true).

Question 34

Which of the following is not an aim of case management? A. To avoid duplication and gaps in treatment in care B. To coordinate and monitor multiple services to ensure efficient and effective utilization C. To treat emotional or mental dysfunction in order to maximize well-being D. To link services as needed to optimize functioning

Answer 34

C. To treat emotional or mental dysfunction in order to maximize well-being Case management can be defined in many ways and has numerous aims. Most of them are based on the belief that clients need assistance because the service delivery system is complex, fragmented, duplicative, and uncoordinated. A major case management activity is linking to services; case management is distinct from psychotherapy.

Question 35

Which of the following is the MOST critical factor for the delivery of effective, culturally competent services? A. The social worker and client must be from the same cultural group. B. The social worker must have self-awareness about cultural differences with the client. C. The social worker must have worked with a cultural group for at least five years. D. The social worker must have a supervisor who is from a different cultural group.

Answer 35

B. The social worker must have self-awareness about cultural differences with the client. A social worker’s self-awareness about his or her own attitudes, values, and beliefs about cultural differences and willingness to acknowledge racial and cultural differences are critical factors for effectively working with diverse populations.

Question 36

A woman has strong feelings of resentment toward her sister. These feelings are rooted in her childhood, and she has always believed that her sister was a mean person. However, throughout her childhood, she reports being inseparable from her sister and “doing everything together.” She also reports buying a necklace for her recently that states, “Best Sister Ever.” This behavior by the woman is an example of: A. Substitution B. Splitting C. Projective identification D. Reaction formation

Answer 36

D. Reaction formation Reaction formation is when a client adopts attitudes or engages in behaviors that are the opposite of his or her unconscious belief. The behavior of the woman growing up and recently is in contrast to the way in which she feels about her sister.

Question 37

Which of the following is not associated with histrionic personality disorder? A. Interacting with others using inappropriately seductive or provocative behavior B. Using appearance to draw attention to oneself C. Being highly suggestible and easily influenced by others D. Having close romantic and social relationships with others

Answer 37

D. Having close romantic and social relationships with others Histrionic personality disorder is a pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking. A client with this disorder interacts with others using inappropriate sexually seductive or provocative behavior, consistently uses physical appearance to draw attention to himself or herself, is highly suggestible or easily influenced by others or circumstances, and considers relationships to be more intimate than they actually are in real life. Clients with this disorder may have difficulty achieving emotional intimacy and romantic relationships, as well as impaired relationships with same-sex friends, because of their sexually provocative behavior or their demands for constant attention.

Question 38

A teenager is having problems initiating conversation with peers, in order to BEST assist the teenager, the social worker should: A. Ask the teenager to keep a journal documenting thoughts that can be used in later conversations with peers B. Explore with the teenager the underlying reasons for his or her problems with peer relationships C. Assess whether there are other social deficits that may result in an appropriate diagnosis D. Engage in a role play with the teenager so that he or she can practice needed communication skills

Answer 38

D. Engage in a role play with the teenager so that he or she can practice needed communication skills Role-playing is a very effective teaching strategy and provides active learning. None of the other answers that may be useful provide the teenager with an intervention (as the question is about the best way to assist) that allows him or her to practice communication skills that can be used with peers.

Question 39

Which of the following statements is TRUE about the relationship between ethical and legal actions of social workers A. All legal behaviors are ethical B. All illegal behaviors are unethical C. Some behaviors are legal but unethical D. Behavior that is illegal can never be ethical

Answer 39

C. Some behaviors are legal but unethical There are some actions that may be legal, like accepting gifts or going to a movie with a client, but are NOT ethical. In addition, a social worker may engage in public protest, which is not legal in some locations or situations, but this behavior may be ethical.

Question 40

Which of the following is an example of role dis-complementarity? A. A husband complains that his wife does not take responsibility for keeping the house clean, and a wife is upset that her husband does not financially provide for the family. B. A woman states that she does not like working and wants to quit her job C. A young child wants to play in the neighborhood unsupervised a man struggles to fit in time at home with his family due to a hectic work schedule

Answer 40

A. A husband complains that his wife does not take responsibility for keeping the house clean, and a wife is upset that her husband does not financially provide for the family. Role dis-complementarity results when roles conflict or when the role expectations of others differ from one’s own. In this situation, the husband and the wife do not have the same expectations with regard to the tasks for which each other should be responsible.

Question 41

When clients are at high risk for relapse after discharge, all of the following should occur after termination except: A. Regular assessments to determine whether services are needed B. Creation of client contracts that reinforce positive behaviors C. Utilization of natural supports and peer support services D. Follow up to see whether discharge plans are being implemented

Answer 41

B. Creation of client contracts that reinforce positive behaviors Clients who are at high risk for developing problems after services have ended should receive regular assessments to see if additional services are needed and/or discharge plans are being implemented. Natural support and peer support, such as 12-step programs, are good resources to assist with sustaining progress. The creation of a contract is not done after termination because it indicates the presence of an intervention in a therapeutic relationship. It is incorrect given the order of the problem-solving process

Question 42

Which of the following is a limitation when using existing case records as the data source for the evaluations of client progress? A. It saves time because the information is already available and does not have to be gathered. B. There are financial benefits because there are no additional costs associated with data collection. C. The scope of the evaluation is restricted to that which is explicitly stated in the file. D. It cannot be done unless the client consents in writing to allow such use.

Answer 42

C. The scope of the evaluation is restricted to that which is explicitly stated in the file. The first 2 answers are correct and are limitations but not benefits. C is a limitation because there may be gaps in the record or the information that is explicitly stated may not reflect all the progress that has been made. D is not true and is therefore not a limitation; consent is only required for records that are being used in formal evaluation beyond determining individual client progress which was the circumstance in this question.

Question 43

Which of the following is not a dual relationship for a social worker? A. Providing therapy for a friend B. Hiring a client to do repairs on the social worker’s home C. Being an agency supervisor to a family member D. Going to the same outside clinical supervisor as a friend

Answer 43

D. Going to the same outside clinical supervisor as a friend Social workers should not provide services to or supervise friends or relatives. In addition, hiring a client is prohibited as it creates another relationship (employer/employee) with a client. Using the same supervisor as a friend, relative, or colleague is not a dual relationship.

Question 44

Which of the following statements is NOT true about cultural racial and ethnic identity development? A. Individuals can share the same race but have different ethnicities. B. The ways in which races have been defined have been fixed over time. C. Some ethnic and racial identities confer privilege D. Cultural, racial, and ethnic identity is not passed from one generation to the next

Answer 44

B. The ways in which races have been defined have been fixed over time. Racial definitions have changed over time. They were once based on ethnicity or nationality, religion, and so on, but are now primarily defined by skin color. Cultural, racial, and ethnic identities are passed on through customs, traditions, language, religious practice, and values. Individuals can be the same race, but different ethnicities (i.e., white and Irish or Polish).

Question 45

A woman complains that her 7-year-old son "makes things up and exaggerates." He often adds information when recalling experiences and talks about knights and dragons being a part of his everyday world. The woman is angry about this behavior and worried that it is an indication of some mental health problem. In order to best assist, the social worker should: A. Explain that the behaviors are associated with the preoperational thought stage of cognitive development B. Conduct a mental status examination on the child C. Refer the child for a mental health evaluation based upon the mother's concerns D. Determine whether this behavior is a concern to others, including his teachers

Answer 45

A. Explain that the behaviors are associated with the preoperational thought stage of cognitive development Magical thinking is a hallmark of Piaget's preoperational thought stage. Understanding that children learn through this process, and that it is typical, may assist the mother in better coping with this behavior. There is no indication that there are any mental health issues, so the social worker should not see the child or take other action based on this report alone.

Question 46

Which of the following is NOT an example of client advocacy? A. Working with legislators to craft a bill that would fill a service gap B. Speaking to an agency board of directors to change a policy that negatively impacts clients C. Writing a press release for a local paper about a growing community need D. Providing community members with a listing of service agencies that can assist them in meeting their needs

Answer 46

D. Providing community members with a listing of service agencies that can assist them in meeting their needs All of the response choices aim to affect or initiate change-- the goal of all client advocacy-- except the last one. Examples of client advocacy activities included obtaining services or resources that would not otherwise be provided; modifying or influencing policies or practices that adversely affect groups or communities; or promoting legislation or policies that will result in the provision of requisite resources or services

Question 47

Which of the following stages is often described as a "midlife crisis" where individuals struggle between guiding the next generation and becoming self-absorbed? A. Generativity versus stagnation B. Ego integrity versus despair C. Intimacy versus isolation D. Identity versus role confusion

Answer 47

A. Generativity versus stagnation During middle adulthood, individuals should develop a sense of being a part of the bigger picture, as well as giving back to society. By failing to achieve these objectives, individuals become stagnant and self-absorbed

Question 48

A social worker receives a subpoena from the courts in the mail for a former client's records. In this situation, a social worker should: A. Immediately send in the original records to the courts B. Prepare a summary of the records to send in immediately C. Claim privilege to the confidentiality of the client D. Ignore the subpoena because it relates to a former client and is not relevant

Answer 48

C. Claim privilege to the confidentiality of the client A subpoena is not a court order and no documents should be sent unless ordered by the court. However, a social worker does have to respond and should not send in the records when receiving a subpoena unless the client has provided a written release.

Question 49

A social worker is facilitating a psychotherapy group for individuals who are in recovery from subatance abuse. After group, a vlient mentions that she has been habing problems dealing with job stress without the use of substances. In order to meet this client's needs, the social worker should: A. Recommend that the client see the social worker individually in addition to the group tgherapy because she appears to need some additional support B. Suggest the client bring this topic up in group the next session to see if others are having similar problems C. Evaluate whether the group therapy is the best treatment modality for the client due to the issue being mentioned to the social worker outside of the group context D. Determine if there is an employee assistance program in the client's work setting to assist

Answer 49

B. Suggest the client bring this topic up in group the next session to see if others are having similar problems In group therapy, the group is the major helping agent. Issues should be brought back to the group to address. There is not need for the client to see the social worker for individual therapy. Contacting an employee assistance program would breach confidentiality.

Question 50

A social worker sees that a colleague is distracted when interacting with clients and is showing up to appointments late. The social worker learned that this behavior began several weeks earlier, after the death of her colleague's husband. In this instance, the social worker should: A. Give the colleague additional time to grieve and monitor the colleague's actions to see if the behavior subsides on its own B. Speak to a supervisor to see if the colleague's work load could be reduced for a period of time C. Contact the human resources department to see if there are employee assistance services available D. Speak to the colleague directly about the observations to see if additional assistance is needed

Answer 50

D. Speak to the colleague directly about the observations to see if additional assistance is needed A social worker with direct knowledge of a colleague's impairment due to personal problems, psychological stress, and so on, that interferes with the practice effectiveness should consult with the colleague when feasible and assist the colleague in taking remedial action.

Question 51

When clients are at high risk for relapse after discharge all of the following should occur after termination EXCEPT: A. Regular assessments to determine whether services are needed B. Creation of client contracts that enforce positive behavior C. Utilization of natural supports and peer support services D. Follow-up to see whether discharge plans are being implemented

Answer 51

B. Creation of client contracts that enforce positive behavior Clients who are at high risk for developing problems after services have ended should receive regular assessments to see if additional services are needed and/or discharge plans are being implemented. Natural supports and peer supports, such as 12-step programs, are good resources with sustaining progress made. The creation of a contract is not done after termination because it indicates the presence of an intervention in a therapeutic relationship. It is incorrect given the order of the problem-solving process.

Question 52

In instances when clientd are not literate or having difficulty understanding the primary language used in the practice setting, all of the following are acceptable practices by a social worker except: A. Using a family member to translate information into the client's native language B. Assessing the client's comprehension to determine what additional informed consent procedures are needed C. Reading documents to the client and providing verbal explanations to policies as needed D. Using a qualified interpreter service when possible to translate information into the client's native language

Answer 52

A. Using a family member to translate information into the client's native language In instances when clients are not literate or have difficulty understanding the primary language used in the practice setting, social workers should take steps to ensure clients' comprehension. This may include providing clients with detailed verbal explanations or arranging for qualified interpreters or translators whenever possible. Using family members is not acceptable due to confidentiality concerns as well as possibilities that interpretations or impressions of family members will be included in the translation.

Question 53

Members of the community are concerned about rising crime rates, drug problems, and high unemployment in their neighborhood. When engaging in community organizing with this group, the social worker should first: A. Tell the community members about strategies that have worked well to address these issues in other locations B. Work with citizens to prioritize their concerns C. Contact local legislators to make them aware of the problems D. Identify an individual who can lead the other community members in taking action

Answer 53

B. Work with citizens to prioritize their concerns Community organization aims to develop leadership so that the communities can better address their problems. Using the problem-solving process, the social worker should first help the members to figure out which problems they would like to address. The social worker may help the group with other actions, but they are later in the process. The social worker must also not "take charge" because community organizing is about empowering individuals within the community to decide on the problems and take actions to make changes.

Question 54

A client is very worried about her financial situation. She buys a new car and tells the social worker that she made the purchase "because the car is less likely to break down and will save money in the long run." This statement most likely results from: A. Ego-syntonic beliefs B. Isolation of affect C. A double bind D. Cognitive dissonance

Answer 54

D. Cognitive dissonance Cognitive dissonance is a state of conflict in the mind, whereby two opposing views are present at the same time. It suggests that the mind naturally wants to eliminate dissonance whenever possible and does so by justifying or changing attitudes and beliefs. Cognitive dissonance is extremely powerful, so justification is sued tor educe it.

Question 55

Which of the following is NOT true about motivation to change? A. Motivation fluctuates from one time to another. B. Motivation can be increased by working to remove barriers to change. C. Motivation is driven by hope or the belief that life can be different. D. Motivation that is imposed by external forces is more salient than that which is intrinsic.

Answer 55

D. Motivation that is imposed by external forces is more salient than that which is intrinsic. Motivation is a state of readiness or eagerness to change, which fluctuates from one time to another. The role of the social worker is to create an atmosphere that is conducive to change and to increase a client's intrinsic motivation, so that change arises from within rather than being imposed from without. If a client is driven to change internally, it is much more likely that the change effort will be sustained. A technique to increase motivation is to work to remove barriers and instill hope or the belief that life can be different.