Part 2

Question 1

A lawyer obtains a court order instructing a SW to release case records from interviews w/ a client. The SW believes releasing the records wouldn’t be in the best interest of the client. The SW should:
A. Notify the supervisor of the request from the lawyer
B. Advise the client to give permission to provide the record
C. Remove the harmful information in the record and then release it
D. Refuse to relinquish the records to protect client confidentiality

Answer 1

A. Notify the supervisor of the request from the lawyer

Rationale: It is important that the supervisor is made aware of the legal request in order to provide direction to the SW. If releasing the records would not be in the client’s best interest, option B could cause undue harm to the client, which would be unethical. The SW may not have the legal right to remove any info or to refuse to relinquish the record. Discussing the request with the supervisor is necessary.

Question 2

Which of the following characteristics BEST describes normal development in 2 year old child?

a. Developing friendships
b. Being toilet trained
c. Counting to 20
d. Being determined to do for one’s self

Answer 2

D.Being determined to do for one’s self
Rationale: According to psychosocial models of development, 2 year olds are going through a stage of establishing independence from parent, wanting to make decisions for themselves (D). They are not yet developing friendships, (A). Options B and C are things that are taught, not considered development.

Question 3

When first interviewing a family, a SW will make the family comfortable by:
A. Explaining the purpose of the interview
B. Asking family members about themselves
C. Self-disclosing
D. Asking the family members to explain the purpose of the interview.

Answer 3

A. Explaining the purpose of the interview
Rationale: (A) is the best wat to reduce anxiety about what is going to take place. It clarifies the roles of the participants and starts the interview on a neutral basis. B is intrusive and would not ease the family’s possible discomfort. It would not be approachable for the SW to self-disclose at this point in the interview. It’s not the family’s role to explain the purpose of the interview.

Question 4

Which aspect of a client’s behavior during an interview would BEST help the SW to assess the communication skills of the client?
A. Degree of openness with which the client discusses concerns
B. Ability of the client to remain focused during the interview
C. Number of times the client requests clarification
D. Congruence between verbal and nonverbal behaviors of the client.

Answer 4

B. Ability of the client to remain focused during the interview.

Rationale: Only B is about basic communication skills. A is emotional openness, while C is a cognitive process rather than a communication skill. D is about the assessment of the client’s current emotional state, not communication.

Question 5

A woman sees a SW because she feels unable to fulfill her roles of mother and employee to her satisfaction. She is experiencing role:
A.	Ambiguity
B.	Conflict 
C.	Discontinuity 
D.	Reversal

Answer 5

B.Conflict
The demands of the two roles are in conflict with each other (B). Performing well in one role can be determined to the woman’s performance in the other role. In contrast, role ambiguity, option A, is a situation in which role expectations are not clear.

Question 6

During a session, a chronically depressed client mentions that “sometimes life does not seem worth living.” At this point the MOST important task for the SW is to:
A. Obtain permission to notify the client’s family.
B. Determine if the client has the means to commit suicide
C. Clarify what the client meant by the statement
D. Assist the client to focus on personal strengths

Answer 6

C. Clarify what the client meant by the statement

Rationale: The client’s statement may be indicative of suicidal ideation and therefore should be explored. This would be the first step in completing a suicide risk assessment in this situation.

Question 7

What is the MOST effective way a SW can communicate acceptance to a client?
A. Agree with the client’s perception of the problem
B. Prioritize the client’s presenting problem
C. Educate the client on possible solutions for the problem
D. Allow the client to fully explain the problem

Answer 7

D.Allow the client to fully explain the problem

Rationale: While option A,B,C are positive responses to a client, they represent control by the SW, not the client. D suggests client control of the conversation, indicating that the SW respects the information presented by the client.

Question 8

An agency’s board of directors meets with the SW director to discuss the recommendation for a management position. The team is reluctant to recommend the most qualified applicant due to concerns that the applicant’s deafness will prevent effective performance in the position. What should the SW director do?
A. Support the management team’s position by offering the position to the 2nd strongest applicant
B. Explore necessary reasonable accommodations when offering the position to the applicant
C. Schedule a 2nd interview w/ the applicant to further assess skills & ability to perform in the position
D. Offer the position to the applicant on a probationary basis pending physician’s approval

Answer 8

B. Explore necessary reasonable accommodations when offering the position to the applicant

Rationale: A physical disability is not a barrier to employment unless in prevents the person from completing requirements of the job. Making reasonable accommodations for members of the workforce who have a disability is a legal requirement

Question 9

A SW and a lawyer are serving on an interdisciplinary team to provide and coordinate domestic violence services in the community. The SW is obligated to obtain the consent of a client before releasing information. The lawyer is not required to obtain consent. This difference results in conflict between the SW and the lawyer. What should the SW do FIRST?

a. Acknowledge to the team that confidentiality requirements vary by profession
b. Seek modification of the team membership to exclude lawyers
c. Divide the work of the team into legal and nonlegal functions
d. Arrange training about differing professionals ethical obligations for team members

Answer 9

A. Acknowledge to the team that confidentiality requirements vary by profession

Rationale: (A) would provide information to the team members which may prevent conflict and enhance collaboration. B is exclusionary rather than collaborative. C does not resolve the potential ethical dilemma and doesn’t create a collaborative effort. There is not enough disagreement at this point to warrant (D).

Question 10

A SW makes the notation in a client’s record: “Client speaks with a very heavy accent; difficult to understand.” The entry reflects the social worker’s:
A.	Stereotyping
B.	Multiculturalism 
C.	Ethonocentrism 
D.	Poor communication skills

Answer 10

C.Ethnocentrism

Rationale: Ethocentrism is the belief that one culture is superior to another, in this case a conviction that unaccented English in the appropriate method of communication. Stereotyping refers to an overgeneralization that is not reflected here. B in not reflected here, and D also has no basis in the stem, since the SW might have excellent communication skills in other situations where he or she is better able to understand the client.

Question 11

According to attachment theory, what is the PRIMARY basis of a person’s internal model of relationship patterns?
A.	Present circumstances 
B.	Ongoing positive appraisals 
C.	Early childhood experience 
D.	Perceptions of others behaviors

Answer 11

C.Early childhood experience

Rationale: C is correct according to attachment theory A person’s relationships are determined by their attachment to a caregiver in early childhood. The other options may be involved in the formation of relationships patterns but are not PRIMARY.

Question 12

A SW in child protective services contacts a mother reported for neglect of her 7 year old son. The SW should FIRST gather information for decision-making by:

a. Observing household environment for safety risks
b. Interviewing the child and mother, separately and together
c. Reading the current report of the suspected neglect
d. Obtaining collateral data on the mother from neighbors

Answer 12

C. Reading the current report of suspected neglect

Rationale: The SW should begin with existing objective data (C), before proceeding with the investigation. Options A,B,D, are additional steps to take would not be FIRST.

Question 13

To conform to the principles of informed consent, a SW must obtain written permission from the client to release information before:

a. Consulting with the social worker’s supervisor about the client
b. Discussing the client’s situation w/ a member of the client’s immediate family
c. Coding client identifying information in an agency’s computerized data system
d. Recording identifying information in a client record

Answer 13

B. Discussing the client’s situation with a member of the client’s immediate family

Rationale: The only option among those listed that requires written consent from the client is when discussion takes place with the client’s family members. The SW may want to make the client aware of the situations mentioned in options A,C,D, but written permission from the client is not required.

Question 14

Which statement BEST describes the concept of privileged communication for social workers?
A. It provides legal grounds for confidentiality
B. It permits the social worker for discretion to share client information
C. It prevents client information from being shared at agency case conferences
D. It protects clients who report planning violent acts

Answer 14

A. It provides legal grounds for confidentiality

Rationale: This question requires recall of the definition of privileged communication. Privileged communication is the foundation of confidentiality and ensures clients that communication will be kept private except in cases of potential harm (A). C is incorrect because there are legal provisions allowing necessary intra-agency communication.

Question 15

In the initial phase of the problem-solving process, the SW apply their knowledge and skill to help clients:
A. Negotiate their social environement
B. Understand how their past influenced their present situation
C. Explore and define a target problem
D. Plan to maintain gains

Answer 15

C.Explore and define a target population

Rationale: Of the options presented, C, is the correct response. The problem must be indentified before problem-solving efforts are initiated. The remaining options are seen in later stages of the problem-solving process.

Question 16

A SW meets with a patient who has cancer and is being cared for by a relative. The relative who makes minimum wage, provides the sole financial support for the household. The patient complains about the relative doesn’t provide enough for the patient financially. What action would be the MOST appropriate for the SW to take?
A. Explain to the patient that options are limited
B. Determine if there is another caretaker available
C. Assist the patient accessing community resources
D. Refer the patient to a support group

Answer 16

C.Assist the patient with accessing community resources

Rationale: Exploration of community resources would be the first step to take with this client. There is not enough information in the stem to support any of the other options as correct answers.

Question 17

In the initial phase of the problem-solving process, SW’s apply their knowledge and skill to help clients:
A. Negotiate their social environment
B. Understand how their past influenced their present situation
C. Explore and define a target problem
D. Plan to maintain gains

Answer 17

C.Explore and define a target problem

Rationale: Of the options presented, C, Is the correct response. The problem must be identified before problem-solving efforts are initiated. The remaining options are seen in later stages of the problem-solving process.

Question 18

A SW working w/ a troubled 5th grader and the family learns that the student has been suspended from school for 2 weeks. The SW contacts the principal of the school to encourage an alternative punishment that would not further harm the student’s grades. In this situation, the SW is fulfilling the role of:

a. Mediator
b. Enabler
c. Advocate
d. Liaison

Answer 18

C.Advocate

Rationale: The act of contacting the principal is advocacy on the part of the SW. The SW is attempting to effect a change that would benefit the client.

Question 19

Which SW skill BEST communicates acceptance to a client?

a. Demonstrating concern
b. Using normalizing statements
c. Using nonjudgemental statements
d. Conveying competence

Answer 19

C.Using nonjudgemental statements

Rationale: Use of nonjudgemental statements, C, conveys acceptance to the client by encouraging the client to speak openly without concern about the SW’s opinion. While options A & B are both generally supportive, they don’t communicate acceptance of the client and their unique situation. Acceptance does not involve option D, which is a different issue.

Question 20

An agency’s board of directors meets with the SW director to discuss the recommendation for a management position. The team is reluctant to recommend the most qualified applicant due to concerns that the applicant’s deafness will prevent effective performance in the position. What should the SW director do?
A. Support the management team’s position by offering the position to the 2nd strongest applicant
B. Explore necessary reasonable accommodations when offering the position to the applicant
C. Schedule a 2nd interview w/ the applicant to further assess skills & ability to perform in the position
D. Offer the position to the applicant on a probationary basis pending physician’s approval

B. Explore necessary reasonable accommodations when offering the position to the applicant

Answer 20

B. Explore necessary reasonable accommodations when offering the position to the applicant

Rationale: A physical disability is not a barrier to employment unless in prevents the person from completing requirements of the job. Making reasonable accommodations for members of the workforce who have a disability is a legal requirement.

Question 21

A SW and a lawyer are serving on an interdisciplinary team to provide and coordinate domestic violence services in the community. The SW is obligated to obtain the consent of a client before releasing information. The lawyer is not required to obtain consent. This difference results in conflict between the SW and the lawyer. What should the SW do FIRST?

a. Acknowledge to the team that confidentiality requirements vary by profession
b. Seek modification of the team membership to exclude lawyers
c. Divide the work of the team into legal and nonlegal functions
d. Arrange training about differing professionals ethical obligations for team members

Answer 21

A. Acknowledge to the team that confidentiality requirements vary by profession

Rationale: (A) would provide information to the team members which may prevent conflict and enhance collaboration. B is exclusionary rather than collaborative. C does not resolve the potential ethical dilemma and doesn’t create a collaborative effort. There is not enough disagreement at this point to warrant (D).

Question 22

Which activity would BEST fulfill a SW’s ethical responsibility to promote the general welfare of society?
A. Advocating for change to social policy issues
B. Reporting suspected child abuse as mandated
C. Attending continuing education programs on ethics
D. Volunteering on agency boards

Answer 22

A. Advocating for changes to social policy issues
Rationale: Although options B,C, and D, are activities that can either directly or indirectly benefit clients, only A promotes the general welfare of society.

Question 23

A 46 year old female client complains that for the past 6 months, she has lost pleasure in activities she had previously enjoyed. She is also having difficulty getting up in the morning and finds she is more irritable than usual. Her youngest child has recently left home and her husband is continuing to work long hours. The MOST appropriate focus for the initial intervention is:
A. Interviewing
B. Referring the client to a support group
C. Exploring the client’s losses
D. Referring the client for medication evaluation

Answer 23

C.Exploring the client’s losses

Rationale: The factors mentioned by the client represent losses that she has experienced and must be explored ( C). Options A,B, C, are actions the SW may take once the client’s situation is understood.

Question 24

Which activity would BEST fulfill a SW’s ethical responsibility to promote the general welfare of society?
A. Advocating for changes to social policy issues
B. Reporting suspected child abuse as mandated
C. Attending continuing education programs on ethics
D. Volunteering on agency boards

Answer 24

A.Advocating for changes to social policy issues

Rationale: Although B,C,D are activities that can either directly or indirectly benefit claims, only A promotes the general welfare of society.

Question 25

What is the major benefit of intensive family preservation services?
A. The opportunity for crisis intervention
B. Empowerment of the family to participate in the process
C. Long-term social work supervision with the family
D. Removal of the primary focus from the family scapegoat

Answer 25

B.Empowerment of the family to participate in the process.

Rationale: Of the options available, empowerment of the family is the major benefit. The primary emphasis of this approach is not to alter the position of the scapegoat, nor is it to provide long-term supervision of the family. Crisis intervention may initially occur, but services offered provide longer term work with the family.

Question 26

Which of the following concepts is concerned with whether an instrument is measuring what it purports to measure?

a. Statistical regression
b. Statistical significance
c. Validity
d. Reliability

Answer 26

C.Validity

Rationale: This is another recall question, requiring knowledge of the definition of validity in testing.

Question 27

A client has a partner who is addicted to drugs. The client frequently assists the partner with obtaining prescription narcotics by giving false information to physicians. Which statement BEST describes the client’s behavior?
A. The client is violating the partners confidentiality
B. The client is acting out of concern for the partner’s health
C. The client in attempting to preserve the relationship
D. The client has underlying issues of codependency

Answer 27

D.The client has underlying issues of codependency

Rationale: Codependent behavior permits the partner’s drug use to continue while meeting some needs of the client. Confidentiality has not been violated, and the codependent behavior would not continue if the client is concerned about the partner’s health. There is nothing to indicate that the intent is to preserve the relationship by continuing with these behaviors.

Question 28

During a supervised visit between a parent and small child, the parent suddenly becomes angry and verbally threatens the child and the SW. The SW should FIRST:
A. Encourage the parent to ventilate the anger
B. Attempt to defuse the situation by talking calmly to the parent
C. Secure the safety of the child by removing the child from the room
D. Terminate the visit and reschedule it for another time

Answer 28

C.Secure the safety of the child by removing the child from the room

Rationale: Options A,B,D could potentially increase the parent’s anger. The SW’s priority is to ensure the safety of the child by removing them from the room.

Question 29

Which of the following factors is MOST important in determining family adjustment to a child’s disability?

a. Geographical proximity of the family doctor
b. The availability of social work services
c. The onset of the child’s condition
d. Accessibility of the family dwelling

Answer 29

C.The onset of the child’s condition

Rationale: Being geographically close to the doctor might make it easier for the infant to receive medical care, but it would not determine the family’s ability to adjust to the disability. This is the same for having available SW services. The accessibility of the family’s dwelling is not a determining factor in how the family will adjust and would not necessarily be a concern for the family. The sudden or gradual onset of the condition is the best factor in indicating how the family will adjust.

Question 30

A family member brings several concerns to a nursing facility SW. To BEST understand the family member’s issues, the SW should use which interviewing technique?

a. Paraphrasing
b. Reflection
c. Empathy
d. Clarification

Answer 30

D.Clarification

Rationale: A,B,C are interviewing techniques that can facilitate communication with the client but do not necessarily lead to better understanding of the concerns. The use of clarification can best specify the issues of concern to the family members.

Question 31

A community social service agency receives funding to offer group HIV education programs. In consultation with the supervisor, the SW realizes that a group setting for HIV education may not be the best approach to use. The program goals require that high numbers of clients be served. What should the SW do FIRST?
A. Continue to offer group educational sessions
B. Begin to offer only individual educational sessions
C. Formulate a client committee to develop recommendations
D. Return the money to the funding source

Answer 31

C.Formulate a client committee to develop recommendations

Rationale:C is correct because it allows the client population to identify the problem, if there is one, before immediately going to a solution. The SW may do the other options, but C is the FIRST step. D is unlikely until all possible ways to use the funding are carefully considered and even tried.

Question 32

SWs anticipating the interruption of services to clients who are still in need should:

a. Withdraw services gradually
b. Counsel with them in private
c. Evaluate unmet goals
d. Assist in making arrangements for continuation of services

Answer 32

D.Assist in making arrangements for continuation of services
Rationale: SWs are obligated to assist clients through referrals when there is an ongoing need that will no longer be met. The code of ethics requires that D be done.

Question 33

A SW is working with a hostile client who continually arrives late for sessions. Despite discussions about the agency regulation which requires that clients more than 15 minutes late be rescheduled, the client demands the full appointment time. What would be the BEST action for the SW to take?
A. Negotiate a compromise to avoid escalation of the client’s behavior
B. Note the pattern in the client’s file and continue to monitor the behavior
C. Terminate the relationship and refer the client elsewhere
D. Discuss the client’s perspective of the schedule

Answer 33

D.Discuss the client’s perspective of the schedule

Rationale: The behavior of the client is contrary to agency policies, which have been explained to the client. To ignore this behavior or modify agency policy would encourage the client to continue challenging the rules. The behavior is not cause for termination of services.

Question 34

In talking with a client, a SW asks specific questions about the current date, mood, and memory. The SW is collecting data to assess the client’s:
A.	Interpersonal skills
B.	Intellectual skills
C.	Tolerance level
D.	Mental status

Answer 34

D.Mental status

Rationale: These questions asked by the SW are used as a part of a mental status exam (D). Collection of data on the other three characteristics would be assessed through other means.

Question 35

Which model MOST often uses ecomaps and genograms?
A.	Functional 
B.	Psychosocial
C.	Existential 
D.	Psychoanalytic

Answer 35

B.Psychosocial

Rationale: The psychosocial model of practice places emphasis on the use of ecomaps and genograms to gain an understanding of the person-in-environment perspective. This emphasis is not seen in the other three approaches to practice.

Question 36

A client who has recently moved from a rural area to a large metropolitan city has been referred to a SW for high-risk pregnancy services. She has missed or has been late for all of her appointments. Based on limited contact, the SW does not view the client as noncompliant. The SW should FIRST:
A. Find an agency this is closer to the client’s home
B. Explore the client’s adjustment to living in the city
C. Ask the social work supervisor for guidance
D. Develop a contract addressing missed appointments

Answer 36

B.Explore the client’s adjustment to living in the city

Rationale: The SW should begin with exploring the client’s adjustment to recent changes (B), allowing the client to express possible barriers and concerns. Understanding the client’s issues with keeping her appointments is necessary because determining the next steps, which might be any of the other options.

Question 37

In SW with groups, the PRIMARY task of the facilitator is to further the group process toward what end?
A.	Goal achievement
B.	Group preaffiliation
C.	Role differentiation
D.	Norm development

Answer 37

A.Goal Achievement

Rationale: A is the purpose of any social work service. Options B,C are elements of group dynamics, while D is a stage in group work.

Question 38

Group Supervision is MOST effective when it:

a. Increases the comfort level of staff in their surroundings
b. Orients less experienced staff to role expectations
c. Enables staff to share failures with peers to improve practice
d. Is able to address common learning needs of supervisees.

Answer 38

D.Is able to address common learning needs of supervisees.

Rationale: The goal of group supervision is not to increase staff comfort. While B, C may exist during the group supervisory sessions, this type of supervision is MOST effective when those being supervised have their common learning needs addressed.

Question 39

A SW is obtaining a social history on a recently admitted patient. The social worker should FIRST address:
A.	Family history
B.	Vocational status
C.	The presenting problem
D.	Any current medications

Answer 39

C.The presenting problem

Rationale: Initial discussion of the client’s presenting problem will provide direction for the information to be included in the social history.

Question 40

A school SW received a referral on a student who has recently become withdrawn and whose grades have declined. During an interview, the SW learns that one parent has just been incarcerated for domestic abuse. In preparing the social history for the school, the SW has an obligation to:

a. Inform the school staff of all of the details of the incident
b. Review the police reports for collaboration of the events
c. Interview the neighbors for their perspective on the family
d. Provide only the information that affects the child’s education

Answer 40

D.Provide only the information that affects the child’s education

Rationale: The SW is obligated to maintain client confidentiality to the greatest extent possible (D), by not giving information to anyone else when it is not necessary.

Question 41

A SW is providing Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) for a group of bank tellers who were present when the bank was robbed the previous week. Despite having a few days off, each is fearful of returning to work, is having trouble sleeping and is feeling jumpy and nervous even when at home. The SW should FIRST:
A) Tell them that the robber has been caught and is in police custody, in the hope that this will relieve their fears.
B) Educate them about the symptoms of PTSD to help normalize their reactions to this traumatic event.
C) Reassure them that their reactions are normal and predictable and will gradually lessen over time.
D) Inform them that that the bank is reviewing its security system and will make some significant improvements.

Answer 41

.
The correct answer is “B”.

The employees are experiencing signs of PTSD and may not understand that this is a commonplace and normal response to trauma. That should be made clear before proceeding with reassurance or other factual information. “B” is more comprehensive than “C”.

Question 42

A married woman with three children one of whom has special needs, works part-time as a nurse and came to a community agency asking for help to find affordable child care. During an intake interview she reports feeling exhausted and overwhelmed and upset with her husband who works very long hours. She has tried talking with him but it hasn’t helped, and he says he has no time for counseling because all he does is work. The SW should next:
A) Help the woman to determine her priority in seeking help.
B) Brainstorm ways to get the husband to attend, like offering an evening appointment.
C) Review the agency’s services and policies to determine if there is a fit.
D) Suggest she join a women’s therapy group just forming at the agency.

Answer 42

The correct answer is “A”.

The concept being illustrated is “Start where the client is”. If it’s not clear, ask to be certain so that you and the client are on the same track and that you are not pursuing a different direction, helping in a way that is not the client’s priority.

Question 43

Melissa was performing an intake interview at a community mental health center. Her new client was concerned about telling her family that she was gay and had just embarked on her first homosexual relationship. Though Melissa believed that she did not hold prejudicial feelings about sexual identity, she was feeling uncomfortable as she listened to her new client. Melissa should consider:
A) Transferring this client to another staff member.
B) Giving herself some time to adjust to a new clinical situation.
C) Discussing her reactions with her supervisor.
D) Educating herself about homosexual issues and practices.

Answer 43

The correct answer is “C”.

Whenever the social worker is described as having an issue that she needs to understand better or needs to clarify rules, policy, etc. the path leads to her supervisor.

Question 44

A SW receives a subpoena from a lawyer requesting a copy of a client’s record. The SW should:
A) Respond immediately and comply with the subpoena.
B) Contact the court to ask how she should proceed.
C) Ask the client to sign a release in order to comply with the subpoena.
D) Contact the attorney and clarify that information cannot be released without the client’s written permission.

Answer 44

The correct answer is “D”.

When a subpoena is received from an attorney, the obligation is to “respond” to acknowledge that it was received, but you are not under any obligation to break your client’s privacy. This is different when the subpoena is received from a court or a judge. Then you must comply and send whatever information/records are requested. In each case you should inform your client of the request that has been received, but when the subpoena is from an attorney, the client may freely choose whether or not to release any private information.

Question 45

A SW notices that a colleague has invited a teenaged client of the agency to do odd jobs at his home during the summer. He raises his concern with his colleague who says he is doing the boy a good turn. The SW should next:

A) Discuss his concern with the colleague’s supervisor.
B) Contact the boy’s mother.
C) Refrain from any action as no harm is being done.
D) Let his colleague know that he feels he is in violation of social work ethics.

Answer 45

The correct answer is “A”.

He had already discussed his concern with the colleague who disagrees and is likely to continue the behavior, so the next step is to address the issue up one level to a supervisor.

Question 46

Lily is the intake coordinator at a large voluntary agency that provides residential services to adults who are developmentally disabled. During the summer months she observes that some of the staff, including her peers and her supervisor are leaving residents alone and unsupervised while they (the staff) are playing video games in the air-conditioned conference room. She is concerned about the residents’ safety. She should next:
A) Discuss her concerns with the Executive Director.
B) Write a letter to each Board Member describing her observations and concerns.
C) Do nothing because so far there haven’t been any problems.
D) Discuss her concerns with her supervisor, reserving the right to inform the ED if the problem isn’t resolved.

Answer 46

The correct answer is “D”.

This is a question about using the hierarchy in an organization one step at a time, and not jumping up and skipping a level.

Question 47

Martha, 19, was very tall and slender and slumped down to try to appear shorter. She hated to stand in a group of her peers, because she knew she’d be the tallest and would feel awkward and uncomfortable. She avoided being with any boys who were very short and hated shopping for clothing. She was very shy with boys believing that she wasn’t really built like other girls. Her diagnosis is likely to be:
A)   Somatoform Disorder
B)   Conversion Disorder
C)   Factitious Disorder
D)   Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Answer 47

The correct answer is “D”.

Question 48

A SW makes a home visit to a foster family and is meeting with the foster mother to discuss the child’s adjustment. During the session the foster mother asks her if she has children, is married, and several other personal questions about her life. The SW should first:
A) Answer all the questions as honestly as possible.
B) Redirect the discussion to the focus of the visit.
C) Tell the client that she isn’t allowed to share any personal information.
D) Discuss this with her supervisor when she returns to the office.

Answer 48

The correct answer is “B”.

Question 49

A SW supervisor is meeting with Tasha, a staff therapist at a mental health center. Tasha has some family problems and is telling her supervisor about a recent personal crisis. Tasha often brings up personal matters in supervision, and seems comforted by the attention. Her supervisor is conflicted about this use of time. The SW supervisor should:
A) Determine the agenda for all future meetings, and discourage discussion of personal issues during that time.
B) Offer to meet with Tasha outside of their scheduled supervision time to try to support her.
C) Discuss with Tasha possible resources for her to get help with her problems, while preserving their time for work issues.
D) Try to personally assist Tasha as much as possible so that her work doesn’t suffer as a result of her problems.

Answer 49

The correct answer is “C”.

Question 50

Carl is a friendly, outgoing person who enjoys telling amusing stories, and regaling others with endless stories punctuated by roars, wild laughter and unwelcome sexual innuendos. He typically wears clothes that seem like elaborate costumes and draw attention to himself. His diagnosis is most likely to be:
A) Borderline Personality Disorder
B) Histrionic Personality Disorder
C) Narcissistic Personality Disorder
D) Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Answer 50

The correct answer is “B”.

Question 51

A mother of a 15 year-old girl asks to meet with the school social worker. During the meeting she reports that she noticed some email messages on her daughter’s phone that contained very sexual language that disturbed her. She would like the social worker to talk to the girl to see if she is involved in something that might result in sexual activity. The SW should first:
A) Meet with the girl to discuss the mother’s concerns.
B) Educate the mother on normal teenage sexual curiosity and experimentation as a first step toward helping her to better understand this behavior.
C) Ask the mother to describe her own feelings about adolescent sexuality.
D) Meet with the mother and daughter together.

Answer 51

The correct answer is “B”.

Question 52

A social worker is meeting with a group of teenage boys whose parents have divorced within the past 12 months. A non-custodial father of one of the boys in the group, who lives out-of-town, calls the social worker and asks for a verbal summary of his son’s adjustment. The social worker should not:

A) Release information without the mother’s knowledge and consent.
B) Withhold information from the father.
C) Release information without getting permission from the boy.
D) Release information without checking with the agency’s attorney.

Answer 52

The correct answer is “B”.

There are two important concepts illustrated in this question. First, it is a negative question. It asks what you should “not” do. Negative questions can be confusing, but are dangerous only when not noticed. Second, it raises the question of what rights a divorced or non-custodial parent has or has not given up. Basically, unless the question indicates clearly that the parent’s rights have been “terminated” or “severed” by the court, then this parent has full rights to access information about his child.

Question 53

A parent comes to the middle school social worker to report that his 11 year-old daughter’s gym teacher had made sexually inappropriate comments to her daughter. The social worker should next:

A) Meet with the girl and the parents to gather more information.
B) Discuss the allegation with the school principal.
C) Ask the other students in the gym class to share information about any similar inappropriate behavior.
D) Ask to present this information to a full meeting of the school board.

Answer 53

The correct answer is “A”.

When there is a “suspicion” of child abuse or neglect, the obligation is to report it to CPS - Child Protective Services. But in this question, not enough information is present to indicate even a suspicion of child abuse, so the path of action must be to find out more.

Question 54

A social worker has been working with a couple in conjoint sessions in brief treatment. The contract is for 12 sessions. During the ninth session, the social worker mentions that there are three sessions remaining after the current one. Both members of the couple agree that much progress toward their goals has been achieved. At the next session, the husband expresses dissatisfaction with his wife’s behavior and doubts about his own ability to maintain positive change. This is likely to be an example of:

A) A more realistic evaluation of the situation.
B) Expressed anger toward the therapist for not helping them accomplish more.
C) Anxiety stimulated by the prospect of ending their work together.
D) Emergence of previously hidden issues.

Answer 54

The correct answer is “C”.

Anticipating the end of a positive treatment experience can increase anxiety. The clients may regress, i.e., backslide on their progress, bring up brand new issues to address, and express doubts about their ability to hold on to the progress already achieved once they are on their own.

Question 55

A social worker is working for a community agency with a group of boys at-risk for dropping out of high school. They repeatedly complain that the school refused to provide them with flexible schedules to allow them to go to their part-time jobs, which resulted in cutting classes and subsequent poor grades. They are frustrated and discouraged, but are asking for help. The social worker should first:

A) Research the school regulations which are used to determine scheduling issues.
B) Make an appointment to raise the issue with the school principal.
C) Gather all the specific relevant information about what decisions were made that affected the boys’ attendance.
D) Contact the boys’ employers to verify their work history.

Answer 55

The correct answer is “C”.

Assess before you act. This is a complex situation, much has to be learned and understood before you shape a response.

Question 56

A social worker meets with a resident of a nursing home who has recently been transferred for rehab from an acute hospital setting. The client, age 74, says upon meeting the social worker, “What an attractive young woman you are, you remind me of my granddaughter.” The social worker should:

A) Explore any concerns she might have regarding the age difference.
B) Ask questions about her family in order to create some rapport and increase trust.
C) Describe her professional training and experience to convey confidence
D) Ignore the comment and proceed with her agenda.

Answer 56

The correct answer is “A”.

The social worker must address the meaning of the client’s comment, which is equating the social worker with a young family member, not with a professional. While the goal is to establish rapport and trust, this won’t likely be accomplished by asking questions about the client’s family, so “B” is not correct. “A” directly addresses the likely concern that the social worker is too young to be able to help.

Question 57

Charlene, age 19, is being discharged from an inpatient eating disorders program, after regaining enough weight to be medically stable. She has a long history of anorexia nervosa. Her parents are fearful that she will return to her old habits of severely restricting food intake and engaging in frequent periods of intense exercise. To best respond to the parents’ concerns the social worker should plan:

A) To educate the parents about the long-term prognosis of eating disorders.
B) To hold a meeting with the parents and Charlene to create a contract describing target behaviors they can all agree to.
C) To arrange professional follow-up services for Charlene.
D) To hold a meeting with Charlene to make her aware of her parents’ fears.

Answer 57

The correct answer is “A”.

This question asks for a response to the parents’ fears, how to be helpful to them. The first step is to provide information on what are generally the facts about the course of eating disorders. “B” is a possible next step, but doesn’t really answer this specific question. “C” and “D” are responses to Charlene, not to the parents.

Question 58

An older man who lives alone is seen by a psychiatric social worker at the ER of his community hospital, after being brought in by his daughter for an evaluation. He is very agitated, reports that he hasn’t been able to sleep for several days, and has been arguing with his neighbors. He believes that they are listening in on his phone calls. He was checked and cleared medically. The social worker should recommend:

A) An immediate admission to the hospital’s geriatric psychiatric unit.
B) Consultation with the psychiatrist-on-call for medication evaluation.
C) Referral for placement in a nursing home.
D) Brief stay with family until the crisis subsides.

Answer 58

The correct answer is “A”.

This man meets many of the criteria for hospitalization: his symptoms make it risky for him to return home alone; he may be in the throes of an acute psychotic episode with confusion, poor judgment, inability to sleep, etc. Medication may help reduce his symptoms, but effects of medication need to be carefully observed and monitored over time, which eliminates “B”. Few nursing homes have staff trained to manage residents with similar symptoms, which eliminates “C”. Similarly, these symptoms may not resolve rapidly, and most families cannot provide 24-hour supervision.

Question 59

A social worker at a community center in an inner-city neighborhood has connected with a group of girls who live in the same public housing project who each have been truant from high school and are at risk for dropping out. The social worker agrees to meet with them at a neighborhood hangout to try to get to know them and be able to offer some assistance. This type of group is an example of a:

A) Natural Group
B) Formed Group
C) Group with Rigid Boundaries
D) Closed Group

Answer 59

The correct answer is “A”

Question 60

A social worker was asked to evaluate a teenage girl who developed a series of facial tics during her senior year of high school. She had extensive medical testing which found no physical basis for the symptoms. She was experiencing pressure from her parents regarding college plans and yet seemed calm and relaxed during the assessment process. This may be an example of:

A) PTSD
B) Inversion
C) Conversion
D) Malingering

Answer 60

The correct answer is “C”.