ASWB Flashcards
Which of the following statements is an assumption of crisis theory?
A Anger is a useful dynamic if consciously used.
B Insight is a prerequisite for change.
C Ability to cope with stress can be learned over time.
D Internal conflict prevents change.
Answer: C
While options (A), (B), and (D) are correct for other theoretical approaches, option (key C) is the only assumption that is appropriate to crisis theory.
The juvenile facilities in a city are clearly substandard. As a first attempt to aid in correcting the problem, the social worker should:
A mobilize interest groups to explore and recommend alternatives
B file a lawsuit to force the city to upgrade the facilities
C organize the parents of the juveniles to demand change
D upgrade prevention programs to keep more youths out of jail
Answer: A
(Key A) is the correct answer in this situation since mobilizing interest groups would be the best starting point to begin assessing the facilities and establishing possible recommendations. (B), (C), and (D) might be done in the future, but these steps would be determined based on the outcome of the interest groups, which must be organized first.
In the process of referral, clients will MOST likely follow through to the new agency if:
A they have a clear understanding of what the new agency has to offer
B the option to follow through is left up to the clients
C they are informed of the consequences if they do not follow through with the referral
D they know that the agency is expecting them
Answer: A
This is an unscored question. One of the basic roles performed by social workers is that of brokering services, i.e., referring clients to appropriate community resources. However, client follow through to actually connecting with the referral agencies requires knowledge of the resources, which in turn requires agencies to be skilled in the interpretation of these resources to clients. If the social worker is unclear or vague about the services a referral agency offers option (key A), the client is much less likely to follow through. Communicating a clear picture of an agency’s services is prerequisite knowledge to strategies—options (B), (C), and (D)—that might encourage the client to request the services.
According to psychodynamic theory, when a client relates to the social worker as though the social worker is someone from the client’s distant past, the client is experiencing:
A transference
B projection
C conversion reaction
D introjection
Answer: A
This is a basic recall question regarding the definition of transference. Options (B), (C) and (D) are defense mechanisms.
In an initial interview a client appears suspicious of her surroundings and of the social worker. She says that she wants to reveal certain facts but feels that this would get friends in trouble. The appropriate response for the social worker is to:
A encourage the client to talk about these things since she can trust the social worker to maintain confidentiality
B tell the client that she understands how hard it is for her to feel safe in this new situation and that she should reveal information when she feels ready
C explain to the client how social workers maintain confidentiality and show her how the files are locked to ensure privacy
D involve the client in a discussion of a less threatening subject
Answer: B
Option (A) does not convey a message of acknowledgement of the client’s concerns and appears to pressure the client into doing something she is not prepared to do. Option (C) is not an appropriate response because a client would never be shown how the files were locked, and such behavior does not necessarily ensure trust in the social worker/client relationship. Option (D) avoids the underlying issue of the client’s concerns and seems to divert the client away from the client’s fears rather than addressing them. Therefore, (key B) is the correct answer.
When critiquing a research article in a professional journal, a social worker should minimally be able to:
A project the applicability of the findings to another group
B incorporate the results into policy planning at his or her own agency
C replicate the study in order to determine its reliability
D evaluate the appropriateness of the research design
Answer: D
This is an unscored question. Social work’s emphasis on evidence-based practice calls for social workers to use the best information available to inform practice decisions. It is the responsibility of each social worker to make a judgment about the quality of the research reported in the literature and its applicability to the clients being served. The most fundamental skill, then, is to evaluate the design of the research being reviewed (key D). Only if the design is sound would the social worker then be justified in applying the results to any specific client or client group (A). Certainly a social worker would not invest time and resources in a replication study (C) or use it as a basis for informing agency policy (B) unless there was confidence that the design of the original research is sound.
A competent college student has been waking very early, has lost interest in eating and socializing, and is not certain about her continued ability to handle her studies. These symptoms MOST likely indicate:
A depressive disorder
B anxiety disorder
C anorexia nervosa
D insomnia
Answer: A
It is the combination of these symptoms that make (key A) the correct response. Option (B) is incorrect because there are no symptoms indicating the likelihood of anxiety disorder, whose predominant feature is worry. Option (C) is incorrect because the decline in eating in anorexia stems not from a loss of interest but from a fear of gaining weight or becoming fat. Option (D) has only one representative symptom in the stem (waking early), which makes this answer incorrect.
A 45-year-old client has made frequent references to death and violence. The MOST accurate indicator of impending harm to self or others is:
A the client’s continuous catharsis of extreme hostility
B a history of violent behavior
C expression of a preferred method or plan
D excessive crying
Answer: C
The more specific a client’s plan for suicide or violent behavior, the greater the likelihood for carrying out the plan, making (key C) the correct answer. Catharsis of extreme hostility (A), history of violent behavior (B), and excessive crying (D) are behaviors that, if taken independently, do not automatically indicate the client will harm self or others.
When services are provided to a patient in the hospital, the social worker makes regular entries in the patient’s medical record PRIMARILY to:
A demonstrate to the administration that the social service department is providing adequate services
B protect the hospital should a legal suit arise
C facilitate communication among staff members regarding the care that is being provided to the patient
D provide documentation for accountability purposes
Answer: C
(Key C) is the correct answer. Documentation in the patient’s medical record is primarily to communicate information regarding the care of the patient, as the patient’s treatment relies on the social worker as the facilitator of the treatment team. Options (A), (B), and (D) are not the PRIMARY reason for documentation in the medical record.
The concept of secondary gain in the psychodynamic approach is MOST congruent with the social learning theory concept of:
A punishment
B extinction
C discrimination
D learning reinforcement
Answer: D
This is an unscored question. The concept of secondary gain from the psychodynamic approach refers to the benefit a person derives from an experience in connection with a physical or mental health problem (e.g., getting sympathy from friends and family) that reinforces the problem. In social learning theory, the concept of reinforcement is congruent with secondary gain (key D) because that concept, too, is concerned with actions that support continuing a specific behavior. The social learning concepts of punishment (A), extinction (B), and discrimination learning (C) are not congruent with secondary gain.
A pregnant 17yearold has been referred to a school social worker. The client is upset, confused, and uncertain about her options. After several appointments with the client, the social worker recognizes that her own values may be interfering with her relationship with the client. The social worker’s MOST appropriate action is to:
A discuss the value dilemma with her supervisor
B refer the client to another social worker
C refer the client to a family planning agency for services
D arrange a family therapy session to discuss the pregnancy
Answer: A
It is the social worker’s responsibility to identify how personal values may interfere with the therapeutic relationship, and to seek consultation around these issues (key A). Referring the client to another social worker (B) or a family planning agency (C) may be appropriate later, but the social worker must clarify the impact personal values are having on the situation. The need for a family therapy session (D) is not indicated.
Which of the following tasks is appropriate for a social worker utilizing a strategic approach to family therapy?
A Designing an intervention for each specific problem
B Limiting interventions to the immediate family
C Assuming a nondirective role with the family
D Completing an in-depth family history
Answer: A
This is an unscored question. The key to strategic family therapy is to design interventions to resolve specific issues, thus (key A) is the correct answer. Interventions may involve others beyond the immediate family, so option (B) is incorrect. The social worker may assume a somewhat directive role as the family seeks strategies to problem- solving, so option (C) is incorrect. Option (D), completing a family history, is not part of strategic family therapy as the history is not important in this approach.
Which statement BEST describes resistance in the beginning stages of treatment, according to psychosocial theory?
A The client anticipates criticism from the social worker following self-disclosure.
B The client minimizes problems and claims that the presenting problem has been resolved.
C The client misinterprets statements made by the social worker.
D The client is dependent on the social worker for advice in dealing with problems.
Answer: B
Psychosocial theory describes the various stages, life, tasks, and challenges that every person experiences throughout the life cycle. The correct answer (key B) best describes resistance. The other answers are often impediments to successful practice, but are not indicators of resistance.
A client has met weekly with a social worker for five weeks. The relationship with the social worker has been positive. During the sixth visit, the client becomes angry and challenging when the social worker makes a clarifying comment. The social worker’s BEST response to the client’s reaction is to explore:
A the client’s understanding of the social worker’s statement
B the client’s resistance to change
C limits for the client’s behavior
D the client’s use of defense mechanisms
Answer: A
This situation does not provide an example of a client’s resistance to change, making option (B) unacceptable. Exploring the limits of the client’s behavior does not address the communication issue in this scenario, (C). (Key A) is a better response than option (D), as it is possible that there was possibly a misunderstanding of the social worker’s statement and not necessarily a defense mechanism being used.
A husband has been committed to a psychiatric hospital as a result of violent rages and assaultive behaviors directed toward his wife. In speaking with the social worker, the husband blames his wife and threatens to harm her. Later he retracts his threat and asks the social worker not to mention it to anyone. The social worker should FIRST:
A notify the police
B document the threat and notify the treatment team
C request psychological testing to assess degree of danger
D explore the client’s ambivalence and develop a treatment plan
Answer: B
The item addresses the primary duty of a social worker to ensure the safety of the client and others. In view of the client’s recent history of violent behavior, the social worker should be concerned about the potential for harm. All of the options are actions the social worker might take in this situation; however because the client is still in hospital and the wife is not in immediate danger, the FIRST action to take is (key B), documentation of the threat and notification of the treatment team and the intended victim.
A social history with a 52-year-old female admitted following a suicide attempt reveals that she had been sexually abused for six months by a relative when she was 12. In completing the social history, the social worker should NEXT:
A take a complete sexual history
B obtain confirmation of this abuse from other family members
C determine how the abuse contributes to the client’s presenting problem
D acknowledge but give little weight to the information since it is not directly related to the immediate problem
Answer: C
(A) and (B) may be helpful to the ongoing therapy, but neither one would be the next step in this case. (D) is clearly the wrong answer because the social worker has no idea whether the sexual abuse is important until it is understood how it contributes to the presenting problem. Therefore, (key C) is what the social worker should do next since it is important to understand how the abuse may have contributed to this suicide attempt.
If a member of a therapy group breaches the confidentiality of another group member, the social worker should:
A have a joint interview with the two clients involved
B have an individual session with the client who has been betrayed
C terminate the client who breached confidentiality
D discuss the breach of confidentiality in the group
Answer: D
The breach of confidentiality is a group issue because all of the members of the group have agreed to maintain confidentiality of what is discussed in the group. As such, the breach of confidentiality should be discussed in the group. (Key D) is correct.
An elderly client is blind and confined to bed. Assistance with daily living skills by a neighbor has allowed the client to remain at home. However, the social worker is suspicious that the neighbor is taking the client’s money and providing less than adequate care. The client wishes to remain at home, continuing the arrangement with the neighbor. The home health staff is concerned that interference in the situation will damage rapport with the client. The social worker’s FIRST responsibility is to:
A discuss the situation with the agency’s lawyer
B report to adult protective services
C confront the neighbor about the suspicions
D work with the client to accept alternatives
Answer: B
Although all options are actions the social worker might take, the FIRST action is to report the situation to adult protective services (key B). This is based on the social worker’s suspicion that the client is being financially exploited.
An 18-year-old single mother has a 20-month-old child placed in foster care for six months because of neglect. The mother has followed her reunification plan, and the foster care plan is to return the child to the home. The foster care social worker learns two weeks before the hearing that the mother is several months pregnant. The worker’s BEST option is to request that the:
A mother regain legal and physical custody and close the case
B child remain in foster care until after the birth of the baby
C physical custody be returned to the mother and the family situation be monitored by the agency for six months
D court date be postponed until the baby is born
Answer: C
Preventing the mother from regaining custody (A), requesting that the child remain in foster care until after the baby is born (B) and requesting that the court date be postponed until the baby is born (D) would all be inappropriate and unethical as the mother has complied with the reunification plan. However, best practice would be to continue to monitor the family situation to determine whether the mother needs additional support (key C).
A 67-year-old who has recently retired seeks therapy with a social worker because of confusion, irritability, and inability to concentrate. The social worker should FIRST:
A refer the client for a comprehensive physical exam
B assign the client to a support group for recent retirees
C assure the client these symptoms are common following a major life change
D explore adequacy of plans made for retirement
Answer: A
(Key A) is the correct answer even though it may be important to accomplish all of the other options at some point. It is always important when working with any client to refer for a medical examination if there is any concern medically.
An adult client with no strong family ties is preparing for discharge from a psychiatric hospital. Which of the following social work activities will BEST contribute to the client’s successful reentry into the community?
A Helping the client locate appropriate housing
B Ensuring that the client has achieved maximum hospital benefit
C Helping the client to apply for financial assistance
D Collaborating with community agencies
Answer: D
Because the client has little support from the family, it will be important for the social worker to identify agencies which can be helpful following discharge. The broader the base of support, the better the chance is for a successful readjustment to the community.
The parents of children placed in foster care have made no progress after extended casework services in improving the behavior that resulted in the children being removed from their home. The child services agency staff has determined that procedures to terminate parental rights will begin in the next few months. The foster care worker’s NEXT step should be to:
A increase efforts with the parents to modify the parents’ behaviors
B begin to prepare the children for the transition of having parental rights terminated
C ensure that the physical and mental health histories of the children’s maternal and paternal families are available
D request that a legal guardian for the children be appointed
Answer: B
(Key B) is correct. Once a decision has been made to terminate parental rights, the next step for the foster care social worker should be to begin working with the children on how this decision will affect them. Option (A) is incorrect because the focus no longer is on addressing the parents’ behaviors. Option (C) is not necessary for terminating parental rights. Option (D) may occur at some point, but would not be the next step in this situation.
A social worker in a neonatal intensive care unit is approached by a hospital volunteer asking which infants may be available for adoption. The social worker’s BEST response is to:
A take the volunteer to view infants being placed for adoption
B refer the volunteer to a lawyer representing the parents seeking to place an infant
C introduce the volunteer to parents seeking to place an infant in an adoptive home
D decline to share such information with the volunteer
Answer: D
This is an unscored question. The social worker should not share this information with the hospital volunteer as this would be a violation of confidentially; therefore (key D) is the correct answer. Options (A), (B) and (C) would all be violations of confidentiality.
A social worker is consulting with the parents of a young adult who has been recently diagnosed as having bipolar disorder. The social worker should FIRST:
A obtain a family history of the client
B identify programs available for the client
C provide information about the disorder
D develop ways to maintain the client’s independence
Answer: C
This question requires the test-taker to know when to use education as part of the intervention process. Given that the child’s diagnosis is recent, it is important that the parents have a full understanding about the child’s disorder (key C). It should not be necessary to take a family history (A) since the child has already been diagnosed; identifying programs available to the client (B) and working on independence issues (D) may be appropriate at some point, but are not the FIRST actions the social worker should take.
A DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of major depression, single episode, is indicated by all of the following symptoms EXCEPT:
A flat affect
B feelings of hopelessness
C hallucination and hearing voices
D suicidal gestures
Answer: C
(A), (B), and (D) are three symptoms of major depressive diagnosis. Answer (key C) is not a part of a major depressive diagnosis because those symptoms are characteristics of psychosis.
Which of the following techniques can assist a multi-problem client during the intake process?
A Free association
B Interpretation of dreams
C Partialization
D Reflective consideration of dynamic content
Answer: C
A client who presents with multiple problems often needs assistance in identifying manageable entities to avoid feeling overwhelmed. As such, the correct response is (key C).
Which of the following treatment paradigms uses the technique of “time out”?
A Social learning
B Psychodynamic
C Humanistic
D Systems
Answer: A
(Key A) is the only treatment paradigm that uses “time out.”
An 80-year-old client has a double below-the-knee amputation which requires weekly medical attention. The client is living with her son but wants to relocate to an area with limited support services despite family wishes. She has requested assistance from the hospital social worker. The hospital social worker should FIRST:
A consult with the medical team to determine the client’s medical needs
B meet with the family to explore their concerns
C develop a plan with the patient to facilitate the move
D provide the client with information obtained from agencies in the relocation area
Answer: A
The stem clearly indicates that the client has medical needs that require regular and ongoing medical care. The social worker has a responsibility to ensure the client’s well-being, which means that the social worker’s FIRST step to addressing the client’s wish to relocate must focus on determining the client’s medical needs. (Key A) is correct.
A social worker makes home visits to a young mother with her first baby. On the first visit, the four-month-old baby smiles, laughs, and responds to the worker’s approaches. During a visit when the child is eight months old the baby turns away when the worker approaches, looks distressed, and begins to cry. The social worker should interpret this change of behavior as MOST likely due to:
A conditioned fear response
B developmentally normal stranger anxiety
C child abuse
D normal temperamental irritability
Answer: B
This is an unscored question. (Key B) is the correct answer because eight months is the approximate age when children normally experience stranger anxiety, according to attachment theory.
In facilitating a hospital support group for bereaved parents, a social worker can discuss a personal experience with the death of a child to:
A create empathy with the participants
B receive help from the group
C create a sense of shared experience
D establish a role as expert on grief issues
Answer: C
This is an unscored question. A social worker’s sharing of personal information should occur only with the goal of serving a therapeutic purpose for the client. (Key C) is the correct response.
A client reacts to criticism with rage, is interpersonally explosive, has a grandiose sense of self, is preoccupied with thoughts of unlimited success, and has a sense of entitlement. This meets the criteria for which of the following DSM personality disorder diagnoses?
A Paranoid
B Antisocial
C Narcissistic
D Histrionic
Answer: D
It would not be appropriate for a hospital social worker to make funeral arrangements for a family so (key D) would be correct. All of the other answers are appropriate actions for a hospital social worker to take.
A hospital social worker encounters a family that has just experienced the death of an infant due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The LEAST appropriate social work intervention with the family unit would be to:
A offer sympathy for the family’s loss
B help family members share their grief
C provide information on SIDS
D make funeral arrangements
Answer: D
It would not be appropriate for a hospital social worker to make funeral arrangements for a family so (key D) would be correct. All of the other answers are appropriate actions for a hospital social worker to take.
Which of the following social work activities would be considered a PRIMARY prevention effort to address the problem of child abuse?
A Helping design legislation which protects the rights of children
B Providing shelters for children who have been abused
C Conducting treatment groups for abusive parents
D Delivering crisis intervention in-home services for abusive families
Answer: A
Helping design legislation which protects the rights of children (key A) would be a PRIMARY prevention effort, because if better legislation exists, then children’s rights would be protected and child abuse would not be as prevalent. (B), (C) and (D) would all be reactive efforts in response to child abuse which would have already occurred.
A client has been evicted and is in need of immediate housing. The client’s social worker owns an apartment building and has an available unit. The social worker should:
A allow the client to temporarily rent the unit the social worker owns at a reduced rate
B refer the client to several apartments, including the one owned by the social worker
C refer the client to apartments owned by anyone not personally known to the social worker
D refer the client to an apartment owned by a close friend of the social worker who will give the client a reduced rate
Answer: C
This question addresses the social worker’s obligation to avoid dual relationships. The stem does not say that the client has no housing options available other than the social worker’s apartment building. Referring the client to apartments owned by others (key C) is the answer that best avoids the dual relationship. Including the social worker on the list of referrals (B) amounts to a bending of ethics; referring to a friend’s apartment building (D) compounds dual relationships; and renting to the client at a reduced rate (A) is a clear ethical violation.
A 17-year-old mother of an infant wants to return to high school to complete her senior year with her class. The principal advises the student to remain at home until her child is older and informs her that evening classes are available. The student seeks the services of the school social worker. The social worker should:
A assist the student in understanding the principal’s recommendation
B meet with the principal and student to advocate on the student’s behalf
C report the matter to the school board
D explore with the student alternative educational opportunities
Answer: B
The social worker is being asked to assist the student in making plans to complete her senior year of high school with the rest of her class. Options (A) and (D) do not facilitate the student’s self-determination in reaching her goal. The social worker might do option (C), but only after attempting to advocate on the client’s behalf directly with the principal first (key B
A 15-year-old girl has been sent home from school on three occasions for drinking alcohol. Each time, the mother becomes angry and threatens to punish the girl but is convinced by the father to give her another chance. Which of the following terms BEST characterizes the father’s behavior in this situation?
A Triangulating
B Enabling
C Advocating
D Manipulating
Answer: B
(Key B) is the correct answer because enabling in this case is facilitating dysfunctional behavior. (D) is not the right answer because there is no discussion of any attempts to manipulate anyone in the information provided. (A) is incorrect, because triangulation is the attempt by two individuals to collude against another and this is not described in the stem. (C) is not the answer because advocating is championing the rights of a client system.
A classroom teacher refers a sevenyearold child to a school social worker because the child consistently comes to school tired, unclean, and unable to concentrate on lessons. The social worker’s FIRST action should be to:
A make a referral to child protective services
B refer the child for academic testing
C meet with the parents and the child
D refer the child to the school nurse
Answer: C
This question asks about the social worker’s FIRST action—it is important to keep these qualifying words in mind when answering test questions. In this case, an assessment of the family (key C) must take place before any other actions are taken. Only after this assessment occurs can the social worker identify the most effective responses to this issue.
The phase of the helping process which leads to subsequent implementation of interventions is:
A exploration and summation
B exploration, assessment, and planning
C initiation of establishing rapport
D clarification and analysis
Answer: B
This is a basic recall item on the stages of the helping process.
A social worker has been treating a client for two months in an agency setting and is experiencing intense sexual attraction toward the client. The social worker’s BEST response is to:
A consult with an agency supervisor about the case
B discuss the attraction with the client
C transfer the client to another agency worker
D discuss the case with colleagues for feedback
Answer: A
This question is focused on a fundamental principle of social work values and ethics. Social workers experiencing inappropriate feelings toward a client must seek consultation (key A).
A child can walk well but still runs with an awkward gait. She enjoys playing and pushing large objects such as carts and wagons. She plays with other children, but is not able to play with them in a cooperative way. Her vocabulary is about twenty-five words and she is able to put two to three words together to express an idea. This child would be considered to be at the developmental age of:
A nine months
B twelve months
C two years
D four years
Answer: C
(Key C) is the correct answer because this is the approximate age when children reach these developmental milestones.
A 40yearold patient with a long history of substance abuse has been diagnosed with AIDS in the advanced stage and is being considered for discharge from a treatment facility. The patient’s elderly parents have expressed willingness to have the patient return to live with them. In formulating discharge plans, the social worker should FIRST evaluate which of the following factors?
A Availability and access to outpatient health services
B The family’s ability to provide care
C Patient’s likelihood of involvement in substance abuse
D Availability of financial and vocational resources in the community
Answer: B
In this question, the primary focus should be on the offer for care, and the social worker’s first obligation is to evaluate the family’s potential to provide this care (key B). The availability of outpatient services (A) and the availability of community resources (D) are important, but not as urgent as the evaluation of primary care. The likelihood of substance abuse (C) would be a consideration in any setting, but not the social worker’s FIRST area of evaluation in this scenario.
The PRIMARY source of information for a social history on a client diagnosed with middle stage Alzheimer’s disease is the:
A individual client
B client’s family
C referral source
D attending physician
Answer: B
This is an unscored question. There are seven stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Between the third and fourth stages, family members tend to be the best source of identifying dementia; therefore the correct answer is (key B).
A social work administrator is designing an after-school tutorial program for school-referred students with learning disabilities. On the administrator’s staff are a psychologist and a classroom teacher. Which additional professional should be added to the staff to ensure a comprehensive assessment?
A Recreational therapist
B School nurse
C Reading specialist
D Special education teacher
Answer: D
This is an unscored question. Recreational therapists (A) would consider physical needs more than learning. A school nurse (B) would not be trained to conduct assessments for learning disabilities. A reading specialist (C) would consider only one element of learning, where a special education teacher would take into consideration many types of learning disabilities that affect more than just reading. (Key D) is correct.
Common indicators of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse include all of the following features EXCEPT:
A violence against younger children
B sexualized behavior
C isolation
D stuttering
Answer: D
Stuttering is not a common indicator of child abuse; therefore (key D) is the correct answer. Violence against younger children (A), sexualized behavior (B), and isolation (C) mentioned in the question are indicative of sexual, physical and emotional abuse.
The concept of gender roles is BEST defined as:
A attitudes and behaviors attached to individuals because of their sex
B an individual’s sexual orientation and/or preference
C biological characteristics that influence an individual’s behavior
D interplay of biological and sociocultural influences
Answer: A
(Key A) is correct. This is a recall item requiring knowledge of the definition of gender roles.
A client frequently arrives late for appointments with her social worker and sometimes fails to call in advance to cancel. When confronted, she minimizes the problem and accuses the social worker of having unreasonable expectations. The social worker’s MOST appropriate response is to:
A ask the client to sign an attendance agreement and pay for missed appointments
B encourage the client to talk about her feelings and perceptions
C transfer the client to another therapist
D offer the client a different appointment time
Answer: B
This question requires the test-taker to understand the ways in which the social worker-client relationship may be used as an intervention tool. Because the client has not yet established a consistent pattern, and because the client reacts in the ways she does when confronted about the missed appointments, the social worker’s MOST appropriate response at this juncture would be to further explore the client’s perspective (key B). Requiring an attendance agreement (A) does not get at the root causes of the behavior; transferring the client (C) and offering a different appointment time (D) are both actions that avoid the cause entirely. Either (C) or (D) could take place, but it is possible that the client’s behavior would not change because of those actions.
A Latino child has been referred to a mental health clinic because of disruptive behavior at school. The mother speaks limited English, is confused, and does not understand the referral or the school’s concerns. In the referral to a Spanish-speaking social worker, the child’s male teacher notes that the mother will not communicate with him and seems uninterested. To facilitate an assessment, the social worker’s NEXT step is to:
A arrange to go with the mother for a school conference
B observe the child in a classroom setting
C refer the child for a psychological evaluation
D schedule an appointment for a family assessment
Answer: A
(Key A) is the first response in order for the social worker to determine the mother’s level of comprehension during the conference. Once it has been determined that the mother is aware of the nature of the referral and that communication has been established, the social worker might at that time observe the child (B), conduct a family assessment (D), and make a referral (C).
The purpose of feedback in a social work interview is to:
A allow the social worker to confront distortions in the client’s thinking
B summarize the main points of the interview
C let the client know the social worker understands the issue
D give the social worker the opportunity to self-disclose for the benefit of the client
Answer: C
This is a basic recall item that requires an understanding of the use of feedback during an interview. Option (A) more accurately describes confrontation, while option (B) is an example of reflection and clarification. Self-disclosure (D) is not usually a part of providing feedback.
A client presents with numerous symptoms of depression. Her spouse of 22 years died recently. She is not sleeping or eating well and cries often. An additional symptom which would lead to a diagnosis of major depressive disorder rather than uncomplicated bereavement would be:
A withdrawal from close friends
B a sense of hopelessness
C obsessive thoughts about the deceased
D talking about the deceased at every opportunity
Answer: B
In diagnosis of major depressive disorder, hopelessness is a key characteristic. In uncomplicated bereavement withdrawal from close friends, obsessive thoughts of the deceased and talking about the deceased can certainly occur but are not necessary for diagnosis of a major depressive disorder. Therefore, (key B) is the correct answer.
A nine-year-old student was referred to the school social worker because of aggressive behavior on the playground. In the first telephone contact with the child’s mother, the social worker learns that the child has become more aggressive at home since the mother’s remarriage three months ago. In this situation, the social worker’s FIRST task should be to:
A help the teacher to design a behavior modification program
B intervene with the child on the playground
C meet with the parents for an assessment interview
D place the child in a peer support group
Answer: C
In this scenario, the social worker has made phone contact with the child’s mother and learns about a recent remarriage. The FIRST step now is to complete an assessment with the parents (key C) to determine an appropriate intervention, which may or may not be (A), (B), or (D).
A newly arrived immigrant family has a 14-year-old daughter in junior high school. The school is encouraging her to become involved in after-school activities. The girl tells the school social worker that she is not permitted outdoors after school. The social worker should FIRST:
A encourage the parents to allow the student greater freedom
B tell the student that she can stay out during daylight
C facilitate interactions with peers during school hours
D refer the student to a support group
Answer: C
This question focuses on cultural differences, respect, and sensitivity to new immigrants. (Key C) is the correct answer, as it respects the family’s rules about their daughter not being permitted outdoors after school, yet encourages the 14-year-old to develop peer relationships.
During an interview with a client who has failed to meet the goals of a contract, the client blames the social worker for the failure. This statement is an example of:
A rationalization
B reaction formation
C compensation
D projection
Answer: D
(Key D) is the correct answer because it is the only defense mechanism listed that includes the blaming of another person, or attributing one’s own unacceptable personality traits to another person. (A) is not possible, because the client is not presenting in logical terms why he or she feels the social worker is the reason for the contract failure. (B) is incorrect, because the question does not indicate that the client is behaving in a way that is opposite of his or her values. (C) is incorrect because the client is not trying to make up for imaginary or real personal characteristics that may be considered undesirable.
A PRIMARY strategy for social workers interested in community building, networking, and local level problem resolution is:
A interorganizational collaboration
B interagency consultation
C an ad hoc agency committee utilization
D force field analysis employment
Answer: A
Option (B) provides only information received in consultation. In dealing with agencies only, the social worker may overlook available ad hoc or grassroots organizations. Option (C) is a short-term solution that does not include community building and problem resolution, and option (D) offers only an assessment. (Key A) includes assessment, strategies, goals, and long-term solutions, making it the primary strategy.
Which type of interviewing question is MOST likely to generate client defensiveness?
A (A)Open
B Closed
C Leading
D Why
Answer: D
People generally become defensive when they are asked why they behave in a certain way or do certain things (key D). The open questions (A) encourage the client to talk more, closed questions (B) limit how the client can respond, and leading questions (C) cause clients to respond in a certain way—but these do not tend to generate defensiveness.
When interviewing a client whose speech patterns are different from the social worker’s, the social worker’s PRIMARY consideration should be that:
A communication patterns vary due to economic conditions
B speech is influenced by culture and experience
C psychosocial conditions will cause variations in speech
D speech is influenced by group taboos and norms and may indicate false beliefs
Answer: B
(Key B) is the correct answer. Options (A) and (C) are biased answers because they are interpretations of stereotypes that those who are poor, uneducated, or diagnosed with a mental disability will speak differently than the social worker. Option (D) includes an inaccurate assumption that one can somehow relate speech to the presence of “false” beliefs.
A social worker meets with a couple who refuse to provide appropriate medical care to their child with a life threatening illness because of their religious beliefs. The child is receiving some care within the guidelines of their church’s ministry but the child’s condition is deteriorating. How should the social worker respond to this dilemma?
A Take no action on the basis of client confidentiality
B Not report the situation because the family’s right to self-determination restricts the worker’s actions
C Report the situation to child protective services
D Continue to strongly encourage the family to take a different action in the best interests of the child
Answer: C
The safety and well-being of the child is the primary focus of the social worker, which makes reporting the situation to child protective services the only option (key C). The limits of confidentiality are evident in this situation because of the potential for harm towards the child (A). Not reporting the situation places the social worker in a position of potential liability (B). Option (D) does not account for the ethical and possible legal responsibilities faced by the social worker.
The biological parents’ rights have been terminated and the child is placed in foster care. Some months later, the parents contact the foster care social worker, requesting that their child be returned to their custody. The social worker should:
A set up an agreement for changes needed before agreeing to reconsider reunification
B advise the parents to talk to a lawyer about their request
C inform the parents that there is nothing the social worker can do
D request that the parents agree to a home study as a preliminary to reunification
Answer: B
The termination of parental rights is a legal action. Although social workers perform a role in helping the courts make the decision to sever parental rights and subsequently monitor the care of the child, only the courts can reverse the legal action. Thus the most appropriate assistance to biological parents wanting to reverse a court action would be to help them find legal counsel (key B). Any other actions by the social worker (A) and (D) must first be requested by the court. Indicating that the social worker could do nothing (C) would not be helpful to the parents.
A mother and her 15yearold pregnant daughter seek consultation for the daughter’s unplanned pregnancy. The mother wants the baby to be released for adoption because she is in ill health and cannot help her daughter raise the baby. The social worker’s FIRST response should be to:
A encourage the young woman’s mother to consider other options
B help formulate an adoption plan
C meet with the young woman alone to explore her feelings and wishes
D suggest that the mother participate in the treatment sessions
Answer: C
The question requires the test-taker to apply the values of self-determination to social work practice. Client self-determination in this scenario would be best served by a private meeting with the young woman to explore her feelings about the pregnancy (key C). Trying to convince the mother to consider other options (A) would be perceived as the social worker “taking a side” in this situation at this point; helping to formulate an adoption plan (B) and involving the mother in treatment (D) may be things that that the social worker would do, but not as a FIRST response.
A couple consults a social worker because their child is disobedient. The social worker is aware that the couple has little understanding of child development and ageappropriate behavior. To most effectively serve this family, the social worker should FIRST:
A let the parents know that their expectations are inappropriate
B discuss behavioral techniques to assist the parents in achieving their goal
C acknowledge the parents’ concern and explore with them possible methods of intervention
D recommend parenting classes for the parents to increase their understanding of child behavior and parent effectiveness
Answer: C
The correct response is (key C), as the FIRST task is to begin developing a relationship with the parents. An effective way to do this is to acknowledge their concern. The other actions (A), (B), and (D), may follow as the work begins.
A tenyearold child is referred to a school social worker for irritability, poor concentration, and low selfesteem experienced during the past year. Which diagnosis would be appropriate?
A Oppositional defiant disorder
B Communication disorder
C Dysthymic disorder
D Separation anxiety disorder
Answer: C
This question requires test-takers to recall symptoms most strongly related to dysthymic disorder in children.
A family with a 14-year-old pregnant daughter has come for family therapy. The parents are angry at the daughter and cannot agree with one another as to the course of action they should take. The social worker should FIRST:
A establish trust with the daughter
B assess the family motivation for services
C evaluate the anger level of family members
D identify each family member’s view of the problem
Answer: D
This item requires knowledge of a basic problem-solving model. Problem definition and/or identification must occur first, before intervention strategies are to be implemented; therefore the correct answer is (key D).
When selecting indicators of organizational performance, the MOST critical factor a program evaluator should consider is the:
A ability of workers and managers to have some control over the performance being evaluated
B length of time data related to the indicator has been collected
C interest of board members in the information to be collected
D potential public relations damage that could come from a negative result on the indicator
Answer: A
Although length of time the indicator has been collected (B) and the interest of board members (C) may be significant, the MOST critical factor of those listed is the control of the workers and managers over the performance being evaluated (key A). The outcome of a program will be different depending on this variable. The potential public relations damage of a negative report (D) is not the concern of the evaluator. Responsibility or concerns should be placed with the administrator and the board of directors.
A hospital social worker sees a 55-year-old Asian woman who is hospitalized for chronic, severe abdominal pain. Tests conducted do not reveal any organic problems. History reveals that she is a refugee from Vietnam who emigrated 15 years ago with her husband and children. The MOST appropriate initial assessment of the client’s problem is that she is:
A being abused by her spouse
B somatizing emotional pain
C experiencing acculturation difficulties
D dealing with a mid-life crisis
Answer: B
(Key B) is the most appropriate answer following an initial assessment because the absence of organic problems indicates that the pain is most likely to be a result of somatization.
Which medication would MOST likely be used for treatment of depression?
A Prolixin
B Zoloft
C Haldol
D Zyprexa
Answer: B
This question requires recall of the typical uses of various drugs.
An eightyearold was brought to a family service agency by her parents because of enuresis and poor school performance. After the initial assessment, the FIRST course of action for the social worker should be to:
A obtain a complete social history
B recommend psychological testing
C refer the child to a physician to rule out organic problems
D request school records
Answer: C
Social workers must be able to recognize the presence of symptoms that could have a physical or neurological basis, and rule out these possibilities first. In this question, the social worker should FIRST refer the child for a physical examination (key C) before approaching the issue as related to a behavioral factor. At this point in the treatment, the social history should have already taken place (A); medical causes need to be ruled out before referring for psychological testing (B); and a request for school records may be appropriate later (D), but not until physical causes have been investigated.
A social worker on an interdisciplinary team at a residential center for children should make it clear to the residents that confidential disclosures are:
A treated differently at times
B maintained between the resident and the social worker
C never shared with anyone
D shared with the treatment team
Answer: D
This is an unscored question. Clients entering therapy with social workers must be made aware of the limits of confidentiality when beginning services; this includes children in residential treatment. This respects the client’s right to disclose or not disclose certain information. The social worker cannot promise differential or absolute confidentiality, particularly in a residential setting, so (key D) is the correct answer.
Which of the following statements is true of women who were victims of incest during childhood?
A They are less protective of their children from potential abuse.
B They disclose information about incestuous relationships openly in the course of treatment.
C They all experience permanent damage as a result of abuse.
D They are more likely to experience depression and anxiety.
Answer: D
(Key D) is the correct answer. Although the women may experience or demonstrate those characteristics mentioned in options (A), (B), and (C), they are most likely to experience depression and anxiety.
A client informs the social worker that while receiving marital therapy from another social worker in the same agency, a business relationship developed between the therapist and the client’s spouse. The social worker’s FIRST course of action should be to:
A discuss the alleged ethical violation with the colleague
B assist the client in filing a complaint with the licensing board
C contact the client’s spouse to obtain more information
D file a complaint with the agency
Answer: A
This social work values and ethics question addresses the issue of how social workers are expected to deal with colleagues who may be involved in dual relationships. The alleged violation must be discussed with the social work colleague first (key A) before taking any additional steps.
