The document consists of a series of practice questions related to social work assessments and interventions, covering various scenarios involving children, families, and individuals facing mental health issues. It addresses topics such as behavioral problems in children, ethical responsibilities of social workers, diagnosis of mental health disorders, and appropriate responses in therapeutic settings. Each question presents a specific case and multiple-choice answers to evaluate the social worker's knowledge and decision-making skills in real-life situations.
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF or read online on Scribd
0 ratings0% found this document useful (0 votes)
60 views41 pages
*- ASWB MASTER Practice EXAM 4.pdf
The document consists of a series of practice questions related to social work assessments and interventions, covering various scenarios involving children, families, and individuals facing mental health issues. It addresses topics such as behavioral problems in children, ethical responsibilities of social workers, diagnosis of mental health disorders, and appropriate responses in therapeutic settings. Each question presents a specific case and multiple-choice answers to evaluate the social worker's knowledge and decision-making skills in real-life situations.
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 41
Social Work Examination Services, Inc. Practice Il -4
A school social worker is observing and assessing a 10-year-old boy who was referred by his
teacher for behavior and learning problems. Though the boy seems intelligent and verbal, he is
inattentive in class and has difficulty absorbing eertain skills in reading and math, He is easily
distracted. He rarely follows instructions and does not finish assignments. The social worker
should first consider that the child
1. has a conduct disorder.
2. may have been abused at home.
3, has an impulse disorder.
4, has a learning disorder.
In the first interview conducted in a family agency with a voluntary client, the primary purpose
of asking questions is to
1. establish a warm and accepting atmosphere to insure the client will return,
2, delineate the presenting problem so a decision can be made on the appropriateness,
scope, and direction of additional interviews or treatment.
3. direct and focus the conversation on the client’s family history.
4, find out if the client really wants help and can use it.
A highly talented and creative computer programmer was refused a promotion. His supervisor's
evaluation noted he did not complete a number of assignments on time, his work was
occasionally not up to his capacities, and he did not seem totally committed to doing the best
‘work possible. The supervisor said he needed more experience before a promotion could be
considered, and that the supervisor would reevaluate his work in six months. The client tells his
social worker that though no one has said it, he was tumed down because he is gay. He has no
‘evidence to support this idea. The worker's best response is:
1. “Yes, you should discuss this with the company’s affirmative action officer.”
2, “Itmay be true that the supervisor is prejudiced, but before you come to that conclusion,
we should think about the substance of the evaluation.”
3. “Gay people often have a hard time succeeding because of prejudice.”
4, “Pethaps the supervisor's perception is correct.”
During an intake session with a social worker in private practice, the client tells the worker that
he cannot afford the fees, but desperately wants help. The social worker's best response is
1. “If we can’t make a satisfactory arrangement, I will do my best to arrange a referral to an
agency where you can receive the help you need.”
2. “['m sorry, but you'll have to look elsewhere for services.”
3. “This is an important service for you and it may be worth borrowing money from family
or friends.”
4, “Have you really explored the resources available to you?”
Susan, age 16, tells her school social worker that her stepfather has sexually molested her and
Lisa, her 10-year-old sister. The worker knows the family’s problems include the stepfather’s
unemployment, alcoholism, and occasional outbursts of anger at the children. The mother seems
concerned about her children and has had productive discussions with school personnel in the
past. Susan is occasionally truant from school and has intermittent involvement with drugs.
What should the school social worker do first?
1. The social worker should make a sexual abuse report to the local child protective agency.
2. The social worker should talk with Lisa to ascertain the accuracy and truth of Susan’s
accusation,
3. The social worker should talk with the child’s mother and her teachers.
4. ‘The social worker should request a family evaluation from the mental health center.Practice Il - 2 Social Work Examination Services, Inc.
10.
ul.
If Susan’s allegation of sexual abuse is later confirmed, a protective service worker is likely to
recommend an immediate strategy to protect the children. Which of the following is the best
immediate solution?
1. Family treatment to address the dysfunctional behavior of the stepfather and other family
problems.
2, Removal of Susan and Lisa until there is some certainty that they will be protected in the
home.
3. The stepfather should vacate the home under court order while treatment begins.
4. Prosecution of the stepfather for sexual abuse.
Untreated family problems such as those described in Question 5, are thought to lead to
1. eventual alcoholism among some of the children.
2, replication of the dysfunctional family structure as the children create their own families.
3. suicide attempts by the victimized children,
4, sexual dysfunctions.
Early treatment for children who have been sexually molested by their father or a male caretaker
will not usually involve
1. group treatment with other child sexual abuse victims.
2. individual treatment emphasizing the child’s feeling of powerlessness, victimization, and
diminished self-valuation.
3, mother-daughter treatment groups to help the child and mother deal with their anger and
to reestablish a nurturing relationship.
family therapy involving the entire family including the perpetrator.
Physical complaints and illnesses associated with stress or dysfunctional family life may be
viewed as
1. a factitious disorder.
2. malingering.
3. a somatization disorder.
4, ananxiety disorder..
‘A mental health social worker is subpoenaed in a child custody battle between two parents
involved in a bitter and sometimes violent divorce. The social worker has been treating the
mother. The father’s attorney asks a specific question about a statement that the mother might
have made while in treatment. Which statement best reflects the social worker’s legal obligation
to the client and the expectations of the profession?
1. The social worker should claim client-social worker confidentiality and refuse to answer
the question.
2. The social worker should claim client-social worker confidentiality and refuse to answer
the question, unless ordered to respond by the judge.
3. The social worker should ask for a temporary adjournment while she confers with the
agency attorney.
‘The social worker should answer any question that seems legitimate and can help her
client.
A.DSM-5 diagnosis of substance abuse disorder normally does not require
repeated episodes of substance intoxication.
substance related relationship difficulties at work or within the family.
legal difficulties related to substance use.
a period of at least two years of involvement.
BeyeSocial Work Examination Services, Inc. Practice Il -3
12,
13.
14.
15.
16.
7.
‘A social worker in a neighborhood center receives definitive information that a 14-year-old boy
from the area has a pistol that he carries to school. The worker’s information suggests that the
boy intends to intimidate others with whom he is feuding. The worker has a legitimate fear that
he could shoot someone. He is known to the agency, has an angry disposition, and is predisposed
to fights. The worker’s first action is to
1. talk with the boy and urge him to surrender the weapon or dispose of it voluntarily.
2. discuss the matter with the boy’s parents and ask them to intervene before something
happens.
3. notify school officials and the police.»
4, discuss the matter with the agency’s attorneys.
Organizations whose main purpose is to fulfill governmentally determined goals, that mainly
receive support from public agencies, and are under the control of government through board and
executive staff appointments are often called
1. quasi-public organizations.
2. civic associations.
3, federations.
4, public institutions.
In developing a DSM-5 diagnosis, a social worker observes that a 25-year-old college educated
male client lives with his aged mother. The client wishes to take a trip to Hawaii, but will not do
50 without his mother’s approval. He seems unable to make independent decisions. During joint
interviews, the mother often disagrees with him in a peremptory way, but he seems too
apprehensive to confront her insulting behavior directly. He frequently asks advice and seeks
reassurance from her, even on minor matters. Though he performs adequately in his work, he
seems unable to initiate activities and waits for others to take responsibility. ‘The social worker
observes that the client is constantly asking questions about the appropriateness of his behavior,
his dress, and his relationships with others. In considering a diagnosis, the worker would
consider
1 classical anxiety disorder.
2. passive-aggressive disorder.
3, personality disorder—Trait Specified (PD-TS) Dependency
4. borderline personality disorder.
The welfare reform bill includes policies that many social workers oppose. One of the most
controversial features of the law are
1. residency requirements.
2. alimit on health care for children over five.
3. lifetime limit on the number of years that welfare assistance will be available,
4, the introduction of surprise home visits for single mothers to insure that there is not a
man in the house.
A social worker supervising home care services for patients who have Alzheimer’s disease and
live with family members will be most concemed about
1 the client’s ability to pay.
2, the qualifications of the home care worker.
3. the ability of family members or others residing with the client to manage stress.
4. the clients relationship with medical providers.
Ina first session with a couple who are contemplating a trial separation, the wife complains their
greatest marital problem is caused by her husband’s nasty temper. The worker’s best response is
to state:Practice Il -4 Social Work Examination Services, Inc.
1, “Tell me more about your husband’ temper.”
2. “Have you done anything that might provoke his anger?”
3. “Are you exaggerating when you claim he has a nasty temper and that this is the biggest
marital problem?”
4, “We-can talk ata later time about the temper issue, but for now I'd like to hear from your
18.
19,
20.
21.
23.
24,
husband about his complaints about you.”
An adolescent confides to his school social worker that his parents will find out from the
principal that he has missed several days of school. Frightened by the punishment he may
receive and concemed about his parents’ disappointment, he asks the social worker what to do.
The best response is to say:
1. “Since you broke the rules you have to be willing to accept the consequences.”
2. “Why don’t you ask your parents to call me?”
3. “Let's discuss your choices in this matter.”
4, “Ifyou promise not to miss school again, I'll talk to the principal.”
The goal of case advocacy is usually to
1. win public policy concessions and alter the distribution of social resources.
2. secure needed services for clients.
3. alter the priorities of legislative bodies.
4. obtain publicity for injustices against the poor.
When an adolescent is confronted with his drug use and refuses to admit his involvement despite
definite and compelling evidence, this is known as,
1. repression.
2. denial
3. stubbornness.
4, suppression.
‘Therapy for mourning and grief are often provided through
1. psychoanalysis.
a groups focused on mourning.
3. behavioral treatment.
4. intensive clinical social work.
One goal of individual alcoholism treatment is
1, toreduce driving while drinking,
2 to involve the family.
3, to provoke childhood memories that led to using alcohol as an escape.
4. to-conffont denial and help the client face reality.
‘A patient complains of sleeplessness, loss of appetite, feelings of hopelessness, and general
apathy. To help in diagnosing the client, a clinician would most need to know
1 medications the client is taking.
2. family history of depression.
3. how long the symptoms have persisted.
4, if the patient lives alone.
A patient presents at numerous hospital emergency rooms with apparently serious physical
symptoms that require invasive diagnostic procedures or exploratory surgery. The cause of
these symptoms is not immediately identified. Eventually, itis discovered that the symptoms areSocial Work Examination Services, Inc. Practice II
25.
26.
27.
28,
29.
30.
the result of the patient ingesting small, non-lethal doses of poison. The psychiatric diagnosis
would mostly likely be
1 Sancter Disease.
2. somatization disorder
3. malingering.
4. factitious disorder
A client suffering from a bipolar disorder would most likely receive which medication?
1. Thyroxin.
2. Seconal.
3. Indocin.
4. Lithium,
A client at a mental health clinic is asked to participate in a funded research project during which
therapy sessions will be observed through a two-way mirror. Clients in the research project will
pay lower fees. At the start of the project, clients sign an agreement indicating they understand
the research program and what will be required of them. Six months after the project begins, one
participant, William, tells his social worker he does not want to be observed. He will not discuss
this issue and wants to be released from his agreement and dropped from the project, but he also
wants to continue treatment. The social worker's best response is
1. silence until William is willing to discuss the issue.
2. topoint out that William received certain benefits and he is morally obliged to fulfil the
terms of the agreement.
3. to indicate that continuation in treatment is linked to continued participation.
4. to point out the client can make a choice to end participation, and the worker will help by
referring him for continued treatment.
A white teenage mother is referred to an older African-American social worker in a community-
‘based family agency. The social worker might initially
1. suggest the client tell her about how the agency and the social worker can help.
2. refer the case to another worker.
3. talk about their differences.
4, note that she has worked with many young women with children.
During a serious psychotic episode, a patient who lives alone voluntarily signs himself into an
inpatient unit. After three days, the patient decides to leave and refuses to consider a longer stay,
though the social worker and the medical staff agree that he needs more inpatient treatment. The
social worker's best option is to
1. recommend continued hospitalization despite the patient’s wish to leave.
2. help the patient plan for aftercare living arrangements.
3. seek a court order.
4, enlist the family’s aid to convince the client to stay.
The concepts of preaffiliation, power and control, intimacy, differentiation, and separation are
associated with 7
1. the Boston Model of Group development.
2. the life cycle theories of feminist scholars such as Carol Gilligan.
3. the process of family therapy.
4, adolescent development.
A narcissistic injury is most apt to be experienced by a client under what conditions?
1 ‘When terminating a relationship with a therapist.Practice Il -6 Social Work Examination Services, Inc.
2. When psychotropic drugs are used.
3. When the client feels devalued or misunderstood by the therapist
4. Shortly after being accepted for therapy by a mental health agency.
Ina first interview at a family agency with parents referred by child protection for severely
beating their child with a cane, the worker would
1. confront the family on their inappropriate use of physical discipline and urge them to
accept parenting help.
2. meet separately with each family member to assess the type of help needed.
3, discuss their concerns and feelings about being referred for treatment.
4, indicate that they could lose their child if they do not cooperate.
Following an emotional therapy session, the client skips an appointment. At the next session, the
client says that she wishes to end treatment. ‘The social worker should
1. help arrange a referral to another therapist.
2, suggest the client discuss her feelings about the last session.
3. follow the client’s wish and terminate therapy,
4, state that the client is running away, just as her relationship with the therapist is showing
results,
‘What are the outward characteristics of a narcissistic personality?
1. Grandiosity and self absorption.
2 Shyness and social inhibitions.
3. Dishonesty and mendacity.
4
Stubbornness and arrogance.
‘The mission statement of an agency represents
1 a broad statement of the agency’s goals and social purposes.
2. an absolute commitment to specific activities.
3. a basis for planning next year’s program.
4, a fund-raising device that has little bearing on what the agency does.
‘The growth of managed care has altered social work practice by
requiring increased training,
eliminating diagnostic interviews.
introducing the use of medications.
emphasizing short-term strategies and requiring practitioners to specify services, their
duration, and the goals that will be met.
Social casework is historically linked most closely to
1. Social Settlements.
2. the Charity Organization Movement.
3. the U.S. Sanitary Commission.
4. Colonial Poor Laws
‘An obsessive-compulsive personality does not usually
have trouble deciding,
take a job seriously.
finish work on time.
have low self-esteem.Social Work Examination Services, Inc. Practice Il -7
38.
39.
41.
42,
43,
If psychotic symptoms appear for the first time after age 40, itis likely that the client will
1. recover from the psychosis within a short period.
2. provide positive results to a test for tertiary syphilis.
3. have a history of occasional drug use.
4, continue to decompensate,
‘A.50-year-old man complains that for the past year he has felt apprehensive, tense, worried and
restless most of the time. He has difficulty sleeping and concentrating. He occasionally leaves
work as his anxiety is so extreme that he feels faint and believes he might be having a heart
attack. There is no clinical evidence of heart disease. The most likely diagnosis is
1. high blood pressure or heart disease.
2. a social phobia.
3. generalized anxiety disorder.
4, acute stress disorder.
Someone who curses or gesticulates uncontrollably and without premeditation is likely to suffer
from
1. Lou Gehrig's disease.
2. Huntington’s disease.
3. Tourette’s syndrome.
4. an organic brain dysfunction,
A social worker meets a recently widowed 55-year-old friend at the supermarket and talks with
her briefly. She seems sad, and says she has little appetite for food and reduced interest in her
usual activities. She says she has a much diminished desire to visit with friends, though she is
normally very social. She says that she rarely answers the telephone as she does not really want
to talk to anyone. The most probable diagnosis is
1, depression.
2. postmenopausal depression.
3. grief reaction.
4, unknown, as there is insufficient or inappropriate information available to make a
diagnosis.
Severe grief and mourning reactions are sometimes accompanied by
ia sensory deprivation.
2. hallucinations.
3. hypothermia,
4, hysterical mutism.
A mental health agency that secks to match clients with workers according to ethnic identity and
language proficiency is demonstrating
1. due diligence,
2. affirmative action.
3. compliance with Title 7A of the Employment Act of 1983.
4, cultural sensitivity.
‘A clinical social worker whose primary therapeutic concern is a client's conscious motivation is,
probably
using psychoanalytic theory.
a behavioral therapist.
a structuralist.
using crisis intervention theory.
BeyePractice Il -8 Social Work Examination Services, Inc.
45.
46.
47.
48
49.
50.
Si.
TOM (Total Quality Management) methods are generally employed by organizations to
1. maximize reimbursement for services and identify unmet needs that can improve revenue
recovery.
2. review organizational professional behaviors to streamline administration while
improving efficiency.
3. assess the quantity of services that agencies provide and suggest methods for maximizing
utilization.
4, improve client services and focus attention on mediating between efficiency,
effectiveness, and client satisfaction.
Splitting is defined as :
1. the process of separating children from their parents in child placement situations.
2. placing unwanted aspects of the self on others.
3. dividing people into categories of all good or all bad. Abrupt changes in definition are
often made.
4. introjection.
A client’s treatment plan is always preceded by one of the following:
1. Apsychosocial evaluation.
2. Aclinical diagnosis.
3. A generic assessment.
4. A feasibility study.
A clinical social worker in his 40s finds that he is sometimes impatient with elderly clients and
begins to feel that perhaps he is not equipped to work with this population. When one of his
patients suffers a stroke and is partially paralyzed, the worker becomes anxious and
uncomfortable when visiting the client. The mechanism involved is most likely 5
1 resistance.
2. counter-transference. .
3, introjection.
4, overidentification.
What joint characteristic shared by a couple is essential for considering the use of couples
therapy?
1, Arreasonable understanding of the problem that is inhibiting communication.
2. A highly trained therapist.
3. The ability to empathize with the other.
4, A shared purpose (i.e, the desire to find a way to remain together).
Which statement is true about a contract between a client and the social worker?
1. tis a mutual agreement on goals, limits, and expectations that may change over time.
2, Ttis always written.
3. _Itis legally binding and can lead to a lawsuit for malpractice if it is violated.
4, Completing the contract during the initial interview is essential.
Chatham is a community with many difficulties. High unemployment and rising crime rates, a
growing birth rate among unmarried teenagers, few community resources, and a poorly funded
school system have left many with a sense of despair. The Chatham Community Center has
decided to seek a $2.5 million foundation grant for a community improvement program to try andSocial Work Examination Services, Inc. Practice Il -9
52.
54,
33.
change these dismal dynamics. What factor is likely to be most important in persuading the
funding agency that the project can succeed?
L ‘The agency’s political influence.
2. The agency’s history of accountability and probity.
3. A creative, well-written program with clear time lines and realistic goals that has not yet
received a firm commitment from other community institutions.
4, The level of commitment, cooperation, and financial support for the program from other
‘major community agencies and local government.
After a complaint was dismissed by the NASW Ethics Committee, a client sues a social worker
for malpractice. The client claims the social worker willfully revealed the details of her treatment
program and the nature of her problems, though not authorized to do so. The social worker's
malpractice insurance company insists the social worker testify to defend against the claim. In
this instance, which statement is most true about the professional obligation to maintain
confidentiality?
1. Confidentiality is an absolute requirement, and the social worker must not reveal details
of the client’s treatment in open court, even to defend against the suit.
2. When a social worker is sued for malpractice, confidential information supplied by the
client during treatment may be used in defense, even if revealing such information would
normally be considered a breach of confidentiality.
3. When the requirements of confidentiality conflict with the need to defend, the social
worker may request a private, off-the-record hearing with the judge.
4 The social worker should insist that only information that is not damaging to the client
‘may be introduced in evidence.
A social worker discovers that her female client is HIV-infected and is also sexually active. She
does not inform her partners of her illness. The client maintains that she always uses safe sex
techniques and would never knowingly put anyone at risk. The social worker is concerned that
despite the client's precautions, she should notify her partners so they can take appropriate
protective measures, Which statement best describes the social worker’s options?
1. The social worker should contact the Department of Public Health and ask them to meet
with the client.
2. The social worker can and should do nothing.
3. The social worker’s best option is to discuss the matter fully with the client and explore
the meaning of her behavior and the risks she is taking.
4. The social worker should demand that the client stop behaving in a way that puts others
at risk.
‘A woman admits to a social worker that her husband has been beating her for several years, but
she is afraid to report the violence and reluctant to leave him, Twice, the police have responded
to neighbors’ complaints and arrested him, but the abuse only stops for a short time. The social
worker might first consider
1, helping the client understand that she has options and work with her to explore moving
to a protected women’s shelter, if she is willing
assessing the reasons (both conscious and unconscious) which might contribute to
keeping the client in an abusive marriage and providing information about resources,
should she choose to make a change.
referring the woman to a battered wom:
women in similar situations.
4, requesting that the agency attorney discuss the client’s legal rights with her.
s group allowing her to identify with other@ I-10 Social Work Examination Services, Inc.
Pras
55. Mrs. J. has a three-year-old child and is a protective services client. She was previously in an :
abusive relationship with a violent male partner who also abused her child. The abusive
relationship has ended and Mrs, J. has made significant progress in treatment. She says she
would like to get a job. She also notes that her father buys her food, pays her rent, and drives her
to the market.” Mrs~J.has asked if she can continue her treatment, though she will be terminated
shortly as a protective services client. If she were to remain in treatment, her treatment plan.
would have to be updated. One goal of treatment in this case might be
1. to bring the father to treatment and help him understand that he is infantilizing Mrs. J.
2. to help Mrs. J. assert her independence by helping her to understand the dynamics of her
dependency on her father and, by implication, other men. :
3. to work with Mrs. J. on developing more independent patterns of behavior such as
finding employment, purchasing a car, and gradually moving toward self-reliance.
4. to continue the family as protective clients until the worker is satisfied that the mother
has worked through her dependence on men.
56. Associal worker is hired by an adolescent residential school and treatment agency that accepts
referrals from public sources. Shortly after starting work, she realizes that the agency is
permeated with treatment ideas and management concepts that are weird and seem nonsensical.
Rocks and amulets placed in dorms are alleged to have magical powers to calm the atmosphere. .
Staff hired to do treatment is qualified solely by their beliefs in the efficacy of the agency’s novel
and unproved theories, and have no significant professional credentials. The agency has become
ingrown, and severed all contacts with professional bodies such as professional schools and
professional organizations. Referring agencies are unaware of the organization's policies and
treatment ideas, and these are not publicly disclosed. The treatment ideas are supported by the
board, the agency director, and the top personnel of the agency. The agency's strategies are
deceptive and potentially harmful. Which statement provides the best strategy for the worker?
1. She should immediately resign and find employment in a more standard setting. .
2. She should try to convince the agency director and others that their theories are .
unscientific and lacking in merit.
3, She should discuss the matter with her supervisor. ’
4, She should consult a professional association or regulatory body about her observations.
57. Many factors have contributed to the drive toward deinstitutionalization and the growth of
community-based care. However, it is unlikely the movement would have developed if not for
1 aggressive advocacy by families and mental health professionals.
2. the invention and widespread use of psychotropic medications that can control the
symptoms of severe mental illness. :
3. improvement in case practice and case management that allowed social workers to :
provide better supports to clients. ;
4, significant change in professional attitudes about the value and safety of community-
based care.
appropriate treatment program for the client. When evaluating the client, the least reliable
‘method of obtaining accurate information is
1. the client’s statements and observations.
2. worker observations of the client’s pattern of interactions.
3. police reports
4, family statements and observations.
|
58. Acclient has a documented history of sexual offenses. One of the treatment goals is to locate anSocial Work Examination Services, Inc. Practice Il - 11
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
65.
Discussions about case termination are first raised
1, when developing a case plan with a client.
2. at intake
3. after the diagnosis is clear.
4. when the insurance coverage is down to four visits
Which factor is most critical to a suecessful clinical outcome?
The therapeutic alliance between clinician and client.
The clients’ ability to accept adverse judgements.
Shared values between the clinician and client.
The client’s educational level.
PeNe
The notion that the poor remain poor due to inherent personal, behavioral, or social
characteristics; or self-defeating patterns of adaptation that inhibit their ability to use available
social resources and opportunities, is sometimes described as
L iatrogenic adaptation.
2. blaming the victim.
3. cultural dissonance.
4. stereotyping.
‘A male or female patient suffering from Dyspareunia is likely to suffer from
1. askin condition associated with stress.
2. a reaction to psychotropic medications.
3. painful sexual relations.
4. aphobic reaction to rigid time schedules.
According to DSM-S, a diagnosis of insomnia disorder enables the therapist to also associate
mental heath diagnosis with
1. comorbid conditions such as depression, anxiety, or physical illness
2. poor living conditions
3. some physical component.
4, unsuccessful sleep-inducing rituals.
‘A 45-year-old patient is recently divorced from his wife of 15 years. He is employed as @ mail
carrier, and complains that his memory and logic skills have diminished. He has recently been
assigned a new delivery route. Now he is embarrassed that he is unable to visualize fully the
‘exact boundaries of the route, or to plan the special characteristics of various sites that in the past
helped him to calculate his loads and schedules. These are important issues. In a long route, the
mail carrier must calculate drop-offs so as not to have to double back and waste time. The client
feels this problem acutely. He has developed a slight limp and complains of tiring easily. A
social worker might first consider
1. _areferral for a medical and a neurological examination.
2 a primary diagnosis of early onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
3. the possibility of substance abuse.
4. a factitious disorder.
Mrs. W. has a long history of alcohol abuse. Though she has made several failed attempts to
quit, she is now convinced that alcoho! is affecting her heart and liver and she decides to stop
drinking. She refuses medical supervision and several days after deciding to quit, she arrives at
the mental health clinic without an appointment and demands to see her social worker. She is
loud and aggressive with waiting room staff. She seems inattentive, disheveled, andPractice Il - 12 Social Work Examination Services, Inc.
66.
61.
68.
69.
70.
‘uncoordinated. Mrs. W. is quickly distracted and though she said she wanted to see the social
worker, she abruptly leaves the clinic. The social worker might conclude that Mrs. W.
1. is probably experiencing alcohol withdrawal and needs medical attention.
2. wants the social worker’s help in managing her discomfort and reassurance that she is on
the'right path.
3. is intoxicated.
4, may be experiencing delusions because of her long-term alcoholism. 4
Most typically, panic disorders strike people in certain age categories. Indicate the ages at which
panic disorders are most prevalent:
1. overage 40.
2. between ages 16 and 25
3. between late adolescence and mid 30s.
4, overage 65. 7
Chronic hair pulling that is not accounted for by a medical condition, results in hair loss, and
causes distress for the patient, or significant social or occupational impairment, may be
diagnosed as
1. Pilorrhea.
2. Trichotillomania,
3. Hobson's disorder.
4, ananxiety disorder.
‘A recent MSW graduate has displayed excellent diagnostic skills and a strong commitment to
clients. Her supervisor recognizes that the worker has difficulty in translating diagnostic insights
and goals into specific treatment plans. The supervisor should
1. point out the problem and urge her to work on it.
support and acknowledge her strengths while providing concrete help in areas that
require improvement.
3. urge her to consult a more experienced worker to help her.
4, provide written guidelines and ask the worker to follow them.
‘A hospital social worker receives definitive information that a social work colleague is engaged
in a sexual relationship with a client. In deciding on a course of action, the social worker must
first consider
L the impact on the client.
2. the impact on the profession.
3. the social work code of ethics. 4
4, the views of the supervisor and the administrator.
‘A 17-year-old high-achieving student is interviewed at a child mental health clinic, She mentions
extreme anxiety about grades, pressures from her professional parents, and her fear that she will
not be accepted into the high status college that both she and her parents believe she should
attend, She seems excessively concerned about being marked as a failure by friends and family.
The clinician might initially ]
1. explore recent life events that might have altered the student’s self perception.
2. consider psychological or neurological changes associated with maturation.
3. work on problems of self-esteem.
4, explore family relationships, particularly the parent's relationship with the student.Social Work Examination Services, Inc. Practice Il - 13
n
72.
73.
14.
15.
16.
‘According to DSM-5, conduct disorders usually manifest themselves
1. during the first three years of life.
2. between ages three and six.
3. between ages six and sixteen.
4. during late adolescence.
A 16-year-old adolescent girl engages in binge eating several times a week. Following each
episode she self-induces vomiting to avoid weight gain. She claims that she has no control over
cating and that the behavior has been occurring for the past year. The most likely diagnosis is
1. bulimia nervosa.
2. anorexia nervosa.
3. eating disorder-NOS.
4. primary eating disorder.
In defining and cataloging, DSM-5 uses
1. anetiological approach
2. apsychodynamic approach.
3. a descriptive approach.
4, aresearch approach.
A social worker's report of child abuse by a prominent mental health center client led to a
protective services investigation. The child protective worker visited the child’s school and
spoke with the child’s teachers and the principal. The client is irritated and angry with the social
worker for “causing” the investigation, and claims that his reputation has been damaged and his
privacy violated. During an interview, he says he is planning to sue the agency and the worker.
In responding to the client, the social worker might
1. suggest the client discuss the alleged violation of privacy with the agency’s attorneys.
2. discuss the legal obligations of the social worker to report child abuse, and inform him
that the agency will continue to provide help to his family, if he wishes.
3. suggest a joint meeting with the protective worker who did the investigation.
4. ask the client if he is concerned about his child.
A social worker with 10 years experience working in a court clinic is asked to testify in a
criminal case. The defendant was evaluated and referred for treatment by the social worker.
During her court appearanoe, the social worker was asked about her experience and training by
the prosecutor. Afterwards, the social worker was asked her opinion about the client’s behavior
and mental state. The social worker is probably
a hostile witness.
a witness for the defense.
a witness for the prosecution.
an expert witness.
Pee
A social worker in a convalescent facility organizes a group of inactive and passive patients.
The group focuses on inviting speakers and discussing issues of interest to members. After a
time, the group initiates discussions of staff courtesy, food quality, and the recently implemented
no-smoking policy. Several members urge the group to request a meeting with the director of the
facility to air their concems. Which statement describes the social worker's best response?
1. “The purpose of this group is not to address community problems, but to focus on larger
political issues. I suggest that we form a new group with a different focus.”
2 “The idea of meeting with the director will only stimulate resistance since I was assigned
to help this group with different goals in mind.”Practice Il - 14 Social Work Examination Services, Inc.
71.
2B.
79.
80,
81.
3. “Several members of the group should develop an agenda and some questions for
discussion, and then the group can invite the director to attend a meeting.”
4, “Much of the complaining that occurs is because people are bored. Let us continue with
our regular agenda and develop some new discussion topics.”
‘A researcher observes an autistic child every hour for five minutes for three days. After three
days, a therapist alternatively offers the child candy or a new toy if the child is able to sit still.
The researcher continues to observe and then reports on the observations. This type of research
design is called
1. construct validity research.
2. program evaluation,
3. single-subject design research,
4, quasi-experimental design research.
Child development research suggests that verbal abilities such as comprehension and speech
development in early childhood correlate most directly with
1, family genetic characteristics.
2. parent or caretaker communication with the child.
3. social class.
4, parents’ education,
A hospital social worker runs groups whose purpose is to help cancer patients and their families
understand the disease. The groups provide information about the expected physical and
emotional consequences of treatment. These groups can best be described as
1, psychoeducational groups.
2. therapy groups.
3. heterogeneous groups.
4, remedial groups.
‘An administrator of a large public multipurpose agency with eight separate divisions, each
headed by an assistant administrator, receives new instructions from the governor's office shortly
after the beginning of fiscal year. The administrator is told that the agency’s budget must be
reduced by 10% for the next two fiscal years. The administrator is disturbed by the budget
reductions, and believes that the reasons are political and not substantive. Anxious to respond
without unduly disrupting agency services, the administrator right first
1 tell each assistant administrator to make a 10% across-the-board cut in each unit as they
plan the next two annual budgets.
2. institute a freeze in hiring in the current fiscal year so carryover funds can be used to
reduce the impact of budget reductions.
3. set up an administrative/planning group to identify functions that might be reduced or
climinated, and make an assessment of the impact of each possible budget reduction on
services before making decisions.
4, inform the press and advocacy groups and encourage them to mobilize their members to
oppose the governor’s actions.
Ayyoung college woman from a small community seeks help at a hospital emergency room. She
complains of loss of control of her right arm and occasional partial paralysis in her fingers. The
ER physician finds no evidence of substance abuse and no physical basis for her symptoms.
‘Upon referral to social services, the social worker might first consider
1. if the patient is deliberately producing the symptoms for some reason.
2. __iftthe physician has overlooked some physical reasons for the symptoms.Social Work Examination Services, Inc. Practice II
82,
83,
84.
85.
86.
3. the patient’s family medical history.
4, events in the patient’s life that might suggest a history of emotional deprivation.
A 25-year-old male client employed at a computer software company is supervised by an
attractive woman of 30. He tells his social worker and others that she is interested in having an
affair with him, As time goes on, he maintains the woman is in love with him, though he has no
evidence to support this statement. The supervisor is distressed by his claims and maintains she
has never made any overtures to him that would suggest a romantic interest. It is likely that the
young man is
1. hallucinating.
2. suffering from a delusion of reference.
3. dissociating
4, experiencing an erotomanic delusion.
In assessing risk factors for child abuse, a social worker would consider as most important
1, life style-and marital status.
2. parents’ attitudes toward discipline, family history, child’s injuries.
3. social class, substance abuse, family size.
4, family history.
Jorge Mendes is a recent immigrant from rural Guatemala. He finds a low paying but steady job.
For 24 months he functions well in an immigrant community largely composed of Latin
American refugees. He occasionally abuses alcohol, but it does not seem to affect his job
performance or social relations. Mr. M. learns English in an ESL program and then enrolls in a
vocational course for refrigeration mechanics. He lives modestly, but is alone much of the time.
Mr. M. corresponds with family members and sends money home regularly. One weekend, Mr.
M. is brought into a hospital emergency room by police after shouting abusively at a police
officer. He alternatively shouts at police and nurses and cries. At one point, he acts aggressively
toward a nurse and is restrained to prevent further attacks. He says he wants to kill himself, but
calms down when close friends arrive and reassure him. In diagnosing this client, a social
worker would consider
1. asevere anxiety or panic attack.
2. possible culture-bound syndrome.
3. a psychosis.
4. anacute anxiety disorder.
The idea that no person receiving welfare should receive benefits that exceed the wages of the
lowest paid worker dates historically from policies established through the Elizabethan Poor
Laws. The policy is called
1 the Speenhamland principle.
2. adverse selection.
3. lesser eligibility.
4, outdoor relief.
A social worker informs a colleague that he has frequent sexual thoughts and occasional
fantasies about a very attractive and vulnerable client. In advising the social worker, the
colleague should suggest
1. that he terminate the client and refer her to someone else before the problem gets out of
control.
2. that he discusses his feelings with the client to relieve the tension.Practice Il - 16 Social Work Examination Services, Inc.
87.
88,
89.
90.
91.
3, that he continues discussing the problem with a consultant or supervisor to keep the
problem manageable
4, that he seek therapy to help him maintain professional distance.
A social worker who believes that systems theory provides a useful basis for assessing and
diagnosing clients will be most interested in
1, the client’s work, family, professional, and social relations.
2, evidence of abnormal development throughout the life span.
3, the client's social class, place of residence, and level of ambition.
4, ideas expressed by the client that express a world view and personal values.
A social worker in a community mental health agency is assessing a family concerned about the
changing behavior of their 14-year-old son. Though usually affectionate and involved with his
family, the son has recently distanced himself. He rarely spends time at home in the afternoons
and appears to focus most of his attention on friends. He grows angry when questioned and
when his parents ask him to spend more time at home. His schoolwork does not appear to have
deteriorated, and there is no suggestion of illegal or deviant behavior. In developing a strategy
for helping this family, the social worker should
L address the presenting system: the boy’s rebellion and refusal to spend time at home.
2. help the parents understand the boy’s developmental age, stage of development, and the
need to loosen their control.
3. consult the school to find out if the boy is exhibiting behavior problems.
4. suggest that the parents focus on their own relationship since the boy’s behavior reflects
tensions in the family.
J, a young, recently married high-achieving professional, experiences a schizophrenic breakdown
at the age of 28. Following the breakdown, he lost his job and, though placed on medication,
loses another job. J and his wife are now expecting a child, and he is becoming very anxious
about his future. In planning treatment for J the social worker should
1. urge him to continue to take his medication.
2. refer J to a day treatment program.
3. explore the underlying meaning of the anxiety.
4, offer continuing supportive therapy.
‘A social worker using a behavioral approach to assessment and treatment will usually be most
concerned with
1, interventions that are based on empirical research and produce observable and
measurable results.
2. applying treatment methods that are simple to apply and easily understood by the client.
3. rapid progress that encourages further change.
4, changing the clients thought patterns through repetitive exercises.
The parents of a nine-year-old girl divorce. Both agree that the mother will have primary
custody. The father, who lives in the same neighborhood, is allowed frequent overnight visits.
There are many arguments between the parents concerning the mother’s use of child support
payments and her allegedly loose discipline. These arguments often occur when the father
arrives to pick up the daughter, The daughter’s school work has recently declined. She seems sad
and exhibits some aggressive behavior in school. The parents seek help at a mental health clinic.
In developing a strategy, the social worker will be most concerned with
1. the developmental issues confronting the daughter.Social Work Examination Services, Inc. Practice Il - 17
2, developing a means for the parents to address their conflicts more constructively and to
focus on the daughter’s needs for security and affection.
3. the initial custody decision and the father’s generous visitation rights.
4. the possibility of child abuse or sexual abuse.
‘The concept of “friendly visitors” is associated with
1. religious outreach.
2. the Seebohm Report.
3. Charity Organization Societies.
4, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
A social worker is assigned the task of developing a budget for a new program that will be
funded by a state agency In producing the budget the social worker charges 27% of the budget to
“overhead.” The term that best describes overhead is
1. those costs for administration, planning, program development, and miscellaneous
charges and categories that are not accounted for in line items.
2, the surplus that the agency expects to realize from delivering the services.
3. funds designated for a reserve to be used for program startup or closure.
4, rent and utility costs.
The budget described above also has a group of line items described as below-the-line costs.
These are normally
1, fringe benefits, vacation time, and staff training.
2. non-staff or indirect costs such as utilities, telephone, rent, public relations, etc.
3. program development costs.
4, third party reimbursements.
A client who is unable to tolerate frustration and has a tendency to discharge tension is said to
1 regress.
2. somaticize.
3. decompensate.
4. act-out.
In establishing a professional relationship, a social worker must convey
1 a neutral attitude.
2. asense of objective observation.
3. healthy skepticism.
4, positive acceptance.
A newly established activity group of 11-year-old boys displays behaviors that are noisy,
disruptive and uncooperative at their third and fourth meetings. The social worker thinks this is a
reflection of the stage of group development. We might assume that the group is demonstrating
behavior characteristic of which stage of group development?
1. Affiliation
2. Termination
3. Power and control
4. Intimacy.
‘Voluntary organizations that serve the community to improve the general welfare are generally
called
1. civic associations.Practice Il - 18 Social Work Examination Services, Inc.
99.
100,
101.
102.
103.
104.
105,
2. social clubs.
3. settlement houses.
4, social welfare agencies.
A person who ‘displays magical thinking
1. is able to make illogical leaps into wild fantasies.
2. has the capacity to be artistically creative.
3. shows increased resistance to treatment, as interpretations focus on problematic areas.
4, believes that thoughts, words, or actions have the power to cause or prevent events.
‘A committee of the legislature formed to review a specific issue and make recommendations
within a specific period will not be called a
1. special committee.
2. select committee.
3, standing committee.
4, legislative task-force.
‘The goal of a therapeutic milieu in a residential treatment center for an eighteen-year-old
adolescent from a chaotic family environment is to
1. protect the youth from an abusing family.
2. return the youth to the family and the community when feasible.
3. provide a family-like environment.
4, prepare the youth for independent living.
Food Stamps, Medicaid, and Public Housing are examples of,
categorical grants.
block grants.
in-kind assistance.
‘grants-in-aid.
aeRe
‘A social worker in a child mental health agency who is told by a 10-year-old client that she has
‘been sexually abused by a relative should q
notify the family of the allegation.
make an official child abuse report.
suggest that the child move in with friends or neighbors.
advise the gir to call Child Protective Services to request help.
pepe
Select a federal program administered and funded totally by the federal government with no state
or local participation by either government or nonprofit organizations:
1. Social Security Old Age and Survivor's Insurance.
2. Headstart,
3. Public Housing,
4. Public Assistance.
In developing an alliance with the client, the social worker should
1. gently assure the client that the agency’s treatment goals are appropriate for the client.
2, assure the client that everything the client says is confidential.
3, demonstrate that the client's preferences and goals are heard by the social worker and
will be included in the development of the treatment plan.
4, assure the client that the social worker is experienced and can be helpful.(ee
Social Work Examination Services, Inc. Practice Il - 19
106,
107.
108,
109.
0.
ul
112.
Case advocacy is generally associated with
1. social group work.
2 case management.
3. settlement houses.
4. managed care.
‘What is the treatment usually recommended for habitual sexual offenders who seek young
children?
1. Psychotropic drugs.
2. Long-term treatment groups.
3. Individual treatment.
4. Family therapy.
A. woman in an adult therapy group describes a letter she has received inviting her to interview
for a position she has sought for some time. It is a substantial advancement over her current
position. She begins to discuss how worried she is about the interview and her doubts about
obtaining the position, The description above represents a
1. stress-related disorder.
2. stressor,
3. psychological reaction.
4, perceptual distortion,
A client is upset and disappointed at not being called back after a job interview and he vents his
anger at the job interviewer. At his therapy session, the social worker’s best response is:
1 “You have to be patient in a job search.”
2. “Lean see you're upset about this.”
3. “Twonder how you feel about this.”
4. “guess you are hurt and angry about not getting the job.”
A worker reached agreement with an elderly woman on public assistance to move to an assisted-
living facility for the aged. The client talks about her fear of moving to a place where she will
not know anyone and will be alone. ‘The worker’s best response is:
1. “Don’t worry, you'll make new friends.”
2. “guess you’d rather stay where you are.”
3. “It seems like part of you wants to move to a more comfortable place and another part,
feels scared and wants to stay with people you know.”
4. “Most older people feel just like you, but then feel better after they move.”
After two months, an adolescent client ordered by the court to see a social worker complains he
sees no reason for continuing the sessions. He says he has avoided trouble for two months and
that the worker should trust him by now. ‘The worker’s best response is:
1. “It is frustrating to have to do something you don’t want to do. Have you had other
experiences like this before?”
2. “Two months isn’t long enough to judge your trustworthiness.” .
3. “You broke the law and now must suffer the consequences.”
4. “Sometimes we have to do things we don’t want to do.”
Which of the following questions is not evidence of discrimination in a job interview or job
application process?
1. Please send a photograph with the application.
2. What is your birth date?Practice Il - 20 Social Work Examination Services, Inc.
113.
114,
11s.
116,
7.
118.
3. ‘What is your husband’s occupation?
4. List your last three jobs.
Characteristies of fetal alcohol syndrome include
1. albino colération.
2. aggressive and acting-out behavior.
3. slow moral development.
4. mental retardation, slow or reduced growth, and abnormalities in the shape and size of
the head.
‘A therapy patient with a history of drug abuse seems euphoric, excessively restless, and far more
talkative than usual. He speaks rapidly, relating many ideas quickly without explaining their
relationship to each other. He seems suspicious of everything the social worker says and relates
‘a grandiose scheme for marketing a new product he says he can develop. The social worker
might suspect
L a psychotic episode.
2, alcohol intoxication.
3. dissociation.
4, amphetamine intoxication,
‘A young single mother appears frequently at a health center with concerns about her 14-month-
old child’s health. There is usually no clinical corroboration of her observations. Many invasive
tests have been done and one hospitalization for diagnostic purposes was inconclusive. The
mother now claims the child has painful urination and blood in her urine. Some blood is found in
urine samples brought from home, though none was found when the child voided at the clinic. 7
More invasive tests may be necessary. ‘The social worker might explore
1, a factitious disorder imposed on another.
2. apossibly toxic home environment.
3. helping the mother deal with the possibility of hospitalization.
4, methods to help the mother with her anxiety.
In clinical setting the most likely statistically significant research design to evaluate a program
would be
1. experimental
2. quasi-experimental.
3. single subject.
4. Type2.
Dysfunctional families that try to maintain the appearance of open, reciprocal relationships with
cach other are best described by the term
1. enmeshment
2. mystification.
3. _pseudo-mutuality. A
4. disoriented.
‘The most significant clinical purpose for maintaining social work records in a family agency is
1. to facilitate worker accountability for the quality of treatment.
2. to assess client progress continually, and to revise and update treatment planning.
3. to provide documentation that can protect the agency and the worker from malpractice
suits.Social Work Examination Services, Inc. Practice Il - 21
119.
120,
121.
122,
123.
4, to provide continuity of service and to simplify transfer in the event the social worker
leaves.
A social worker works with a clientele with varied substance and chemical dependencies, and
decides to establish a new group focusing on drug and alcohol rehabilitation. In the first stages
of the group, the worker might expect
1. denial, rationalization, projection.
2. low self-worth, acceptance, projection.
3. surrender, delusions, rationalization.
4. denial, rationalization, compliance.
When testifying in court, a social worker is asked a specific question concerning his client who is
defendant in a criminal case. What concept should guide the social worker?
1. The licensed worker has social work privilege and cannot be asked to provide
confidential case information.
2. The social work privilege is not absolute and the worker may be required to testify if
ordered by the judge.
3. The social work Code of Ethics requires the worker to refuse to testify.
4, Agency policy requires the worker to maintain absolute confidentiality.
‘A gay client who is diagnosed with schizophrenia takes his medication intermittently. When off
his medications, he becomes disorganized and hallucinates. At those times, he is agitated and
argumentative. He stops attending therapy and he is sporadic in his attendance at the day
treatment center he attends. He is able to contract for safety. He has never hurt himself nor
anyone else, and he usually voluntarily returns to therapy and the day treatment program. He
speaks of this as this “special alone time” and he is zealous about protecting it. His partner calls
to report the client is once again off his medication and he is more irritable and uncooperative at
home. The partner does not wish to live with him any more and asks the social worker to
hospitalize the client. What is the best course of action?
1. Acknowledge one’s right to refuse medication and treatment and seek to maintain a
relationship with the client.
2. ‘Seek an involuntary commitment because the client will continue to deteriorate.
3. Continue to insist the client takes the medication and note that previous episodes have
caused him to be committed to a hospital.
4. Suggest the partner care for him for a short period until he is more stable.
‘A fearful social work client in a mental health agency is repeatedly asked for money by his drug-
addicted son, Recently, the son has threatened violence and has begun calling the father at all
hours of the day and night. How should the social worker advise the father?
1. Suggest he disconnect the phone or get an answering machine.
2. Ask the patient to tell the son to come into the agency and discuss his problems with the
social worker.
3. Donothing as it is likely that the behavior will stop on its own.
4, ‘Suggest he has a right to be fearful and should probably call-the police if his son does not
stop.
The Colonial Poor Laws established the principle of
1. neighborly involvement.
2. local public responsibility.
3. federal responsibility.
4, residential care for the poor.Practice Il - 22 Social Work Examination Services, Inc.
124,
125.
126.
121.
128.
129,
130.
‘A client is diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder. With this diagnosis, it is likely that ‘
1, his personal life will not be affected. .
2. he will be excessively studious.
3. he will experience performance problems at school and work due to an inability to finish 4
tasks on time,
4, he will not have low self-esteem.
While many variables affect suicidality among teenagers, which item below has been a 7
particularly powerful predictor?
1 ‘A chaotic, abusive, and unhappy family environment.
2. ‘Transfer to a new school in a new neighborhood.
3. Ahhistory of occasional drug use.
4. Acchange in family economic status.
A patient experiencing a persistent depressive disorder as described in DSM-5 will
1. vividly describe olfactory hallucinations that began at least three months ago and have
regularly continued.
2. have associated eating disorders that began at least six months ago.
experience chronic depression.
4. probably be drug dependent
A group of clients in a mental health agency group is encouraged by the group leader to socialize
even when not participating in regular group sessions. The group is probably :
1. ananalytically oriented group.
2. abehavioral group.
3. a supportive group.
4. a transactional group.
Jane is a client at a mental health clinic who complains of violent attacks from her boyfriend.
She appears one day with her face badly bruised. Though she has previously been to court and
her boyfriend has been ordered by a judge to stay away, he continues to harass and threaten her.
In advising her, the social worker should be aware that
1. court orders are rarely violated because offenders are afraid of arrest and incarceration.
2. the police will react swiftly and will vigorously enforce orders of protection.
3. women often accuse men other than their attackers because of fear of retribution.
4. battered women sometimes do not protect themselves and will permit violent men to
reenter their lives even when a court order prohibits contact.
‘A client begins therapy with a social worker. During the intake interview, the client reveals
some reservations about discussing sensitive issues. In explaining confidentiality, the worker
1. provides information about the limits of confidentiality as the need arises.
2. provides a general but thorough explanation of the limits of confidentiality at the initial
treatment session.
3. does nothing until a specific question is raised by the client.
4, provides information initially regarding the limits of confidentiality, but only as it relates
to the worker-client relationship,
A social worker who attempts to impose judgments on clients is most likely to elicit,
1 ‘acquiescence
2. cooperation.131.
132,
133.
134,
135.
Social Work Examination Services, Inc.
3. appreciation.
4, resistance.
A clinician whose work emphasizes the use of cognitive-behavioral treatment strategies is likely
to treat clients with severe depression by
1, encouraging a major environmental change such as a new job or a move to a new
neighborhood.
2. identifying, testing, and changing negative ways of thinking about self, and developing
alternative and more flexible ways of thinking.
3. insight-oriented individual or group psychotherapy meeting at least four times per week.
4, a change of diet and the use of moderate doses of antidepressant medication.
‘A patient with chronic schizophrenia is released from inpatient care and is in treatment at a
community mental health program. The patient is stabilized and participates in group treatment
In deciding on a treatment plan, what type of group is the social worker likely to recommend?
1, Short-term crisis-oriented group therapy.
2. An activity group.
3. Abehavioral group.
4 A supportive group.
‘What family traits are likely to accompany a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa in an adolescent?
1. Animpoverished multi-problem family with many personal and social difficulties.
2. ‘A family whose relationship to their children borders on neglectful.
3. A.close family with a history of depression, eating disorders, and alcohol abuse.
4. Areflective and remote family focused on personal growth and self-improvement.
A young Moslem woman refugee from the Balkans reports that she and her family were badly
mistreated and harassed by paramilitary forces as they left their country. She states that there
were “many things” that happened, but she seems reluctant to fully discuss them with the worker.
Finally, she reveals she was raped and sexually humiliated many times, but she will not reveal
these things to her family. What factors should the worker understand to help this woman?
1. The cultural and social milieu in which she lives.
2. Her own psychological resilience.
3. The historical and political issues that her ethnic group has experienced.
4, The unconscious conflicts that led her to delay reporting her experiences.
A sixteen-year-old woman reveals to her clinical social worker that she is involved in many
casual and unprotected sexual relationships. Her parents ask the social worker about her
treatment and request information and guidance. What is the social worker’s best response?
1. Suggest the parents have a discussion with their daughter about her sexual behavior.
2, Inform the client that her parents are interested in knowing how things are going in
treatment. Ask her how she would like the worker to respond to the question.
3. Notify the parents that a social worker cannot reveal anything about their daughter's
treatment. - .
4, Refer the daughter to a sexual counselor to raise her consciousness about the necessity to
protect herself and her partners.Practice
Social Work Examination Services, Inc.
136,
137.
138.
139,
140,
141.
142,
DSM-S removes all references to
1 Axis V.
2. Axis IV.
3. Axis II.
4. All Axis references
A social worker treating a disturbed 17-year-old adolescent male feels that the treatment goals,
and plan need to be revised. In considering changes in the client's treatment plan, the worker
should:
1. discuss the changes with the client, and secure his agreement and cooperation.
2. prepare a written draft for discussion with the client and ask him to initial it if he agrees.
3. discuss the changes with the boy’s parents before discussing it with the client.
4, recognize that changing treatment goals is unusual after treatment has commenced.
The optimal size group for a therapy group is generally thought to be
1 47.
2 614
3. 36
4. 8-10.
A disturbed female patient in an inpatient psychiatric unit is HIV-infected. Despite rules
forbidding sexual contact between patients, the woman is involved sexually with another patient
who does not know of the HIV infection. The worker’s best strategy is to
1, inform both clients of the hospital’s rules and obtain compliance with the hospital’s
regulations.
2 inform the uninfected patient that he is at-risk.
3. arrange to have one patient transferred to another hospital.
4. report the case to public health officials.
A diagnosis of enuresis is appropriate when
1. the patient voids urine frequently and occasionally wets the bed at night.
2. medications may be causing the problem.
3. it occurs at least twice weekly and the patient is at least chronologically or mentally five
years old.
4, itis associated with other physical symptoms.
The most usual physical symptoms in a major depressive episode are
1. sleep problems, loss of appetite, decreased energy.
2. hopelessness, feelings of worthlessness, anxiety.
3. unrealistic self assessments, grandiosity, rage,
4, hallucinations, delusions, magical thinking.
To qualify for a diagnosis of persistent depressive disorder the symptoms must,
1. appear after age 35.
2. follow a major life crisis.
3. last at least two years.
4, last at least four weeks.oe
Social Work Examination Services, Inc. Practice Il - 25
143.
144,
145.
146.
147.
148,
‘Which medication is most used in treating psychoses?
1 Xanax.
2. Haldol.
3 Viagra,
4. Prozac.
A social worker would not normally recommend continuation in family therapy if
1. the family history includes severe physical and emotional disabilities.
2. there is a parentified child and dependent parents.
3. family members are verbally and emotionally abusive to one another in and out of the
treatment, and often there is an escalation of abuse at home following a session.
4, the couple wishes to discuss divorce.
Client self-determination generally includes
1. professional diagnosis and social history.
2. the obligation of the clinician to inform the client of his or her rights and responsibilities.
3. the right to refuse to reveal disturbing facts about the client's life.
4. encouraging the client to make choices on the problems that will be addressed.
A client stubbornly believes that his life has been disrupted by men who follow him in black
vans. He claims they have put something bitter in his coffee, caused his milk to turn sour in the
refrigerator, tampered with his checking account, erased files on his computer, and caused his car
battery to fail. He is unable to point to any concrete evidence to support his beliefs. The client is
probably suffering from
1. hallucinations.
2. narcissistic injuries.
3. delusions.
4, a drug-induced psychosis.
A drug-addicted client believes that his anger and thoughts of revenge concerning a former
girlfriend led to her becoming HIV-positive. ‘The client is demonstrating
1. apsychotic delusion.
2. primary ego damage.
3. magical thinking
4. brain damage.
A social worker is very active during family therapy sessions in confronting the family and
addressing symptoms. ‘The worker meets with the family and with individual members. The
worker is probably using techniques drawn from a
1. structural model.
2 Bowen model.
3. conjoint therapy.
4. psychodynamic model.i Practice Il - 26 Social Work Examination Services, Inc.
149. After several months of couples therapy with a social worker in private practice, Mr. and Mrs. J.
notify the social worker that they are ending treatment as they cannot afford the sessions and
their insurance will no longer provide a co-payment. The social worker’s most appropriate
| option is to
1. terminate treatment and suggest that the J”.s seek help from a clinic.
2. enter into a discussion with them about alternative options that will help them continue
receiving treatment.
| 3. offer the J.'s a referral to a competent clinician who accepts a lower fee.
{ 4, ask the J.’s if they are simply uninterested in continuing treatment and are using money
4 as a device to terminate.
| 150. The type of group in which members typically provide emotional support, and the opportunity to
share with and gain from others coping with similar problems is most appropriately called
1, task-oriented group.
2. an instrumental group.
3. a self-help group.
4, a therapy group.Social Work Examination Services, Inc. Practice Il - 27
ANSWERS - PRACTICE II
‘The correct answer is 4, First consideration should be given to the possibility that the behavior
problems stem from the boy's difficulties in learning. Persistent learning deficits can lead to
behavioral problems as the child’s self-esteem erodes, and he becomes (or believes he is) an
object of derision in class.
The correct answer is 2. The first phase of treatment usually involves identifying the presenting
problem and making a decision as to whether the client’s problems fall within the agency's scope
and the worker’s competency. Establishing an accepting atmosphere is essential to help the client
freely discuss problems with the worker.
The correct answer is 2. Answer 1 is incorrect because it is premature to make a discrimination
charge and there is no evidence to support the allegation. Answer 2 does not invalidate the
client’s perception and invites consideration of the objective facts. The negative evaluation may
provide an opportunity for self-exploration and growth. Answer 3 merely expresses sympathy
without offering any help, while answer 4 is likely to arouse a defensive reaction.
‘The correct answer is 1. This is an ethical and a practice question, The social worker should not
simply abandon clients if they are unable to pay. The client should be reassured that the worker
will do everything possible to assist them.
‘The correct answer is 1. Question 5 is a legal and a practice question. In all states, social workers
are mandated reporters obligated by statute to report child abuse. The criterion for a report is
mere suspicion of abuse. The individual reporter is under no obligation to be absolutely certain
‘when making a good faith report, Susan’s statement to the social worker provides sufficient
grounds.
‘The correct answer is 3. The answer is grounded in practice experience. The key to protecting
the child in a sexual abuse situation is often to separate the offender from the victim. Family
treatment is initially not feasible as a method of protection. Removing Lisa from the home may
prove necessary, but this in effect punishes her for the stepfather’s misbehavior. Separating the
father from the family is a good alternative since it places responsibility where it belongs, while
providing protection. This alternative would not normally be pursued unless the other caretaker
is willing and able to cooperate. In this case, the mother has shown her concern about the
children, Prosecuting the father is a legal decision, and while it may be employed, it does not
provide protection from an immediate threat to the child.
‘The correct answer is 2. Answers I, 3, and 4 reflect symptoms or behaviors which may in fact
represent a replication of or response to earlier family dysfunctions.
‘The correct answer is 4, Group, individual, and mother-daughter treatment is often employed in
families recovering from sexual abuse. Mother-daughter treatment may be important if either or
both feel betrayed by the other and need to repair their relationship. The perpetrator is not
ordinarily involved in family treatment except at a point when the perpetrator may be brought in
to take full responsibility for the abuse, and relieve the child of any sense that they contributed to
their own victimization.
The correct answer is 3. This is a definitional question. The essential feature of somatization
disorder is a pattern of recurring, multiple, clinically significant somatic complaints. The
individual must receive treatment (i., medication) for the presenting symptoms. FactitiousPractice Il - 28 Social Work Examination Services, Inc.
10.
ul.
12.
1B.
14,
15.
16.
7.
18,
disorder is the intentional production of symptoms to inhabit the sick role. Malingering is
characterized by the intentional production of false or grossly exaggerated physical or
psychological symptoms for a purpose (i.e, to be relieved of an onerous task).
‘The correct answer is 2. Social worker-client communications are confidential. The social
worker cannot reveal information without written client consent (with some exceptions).
Occasionally, judges order social workers to reveal material without consent, in effect asserting
that the court's need for information trumps worker-client confidentiality. At that point, the
social worker has a choice: obey the judge or risk a contempt citation and imprisonment,
‘The correct answer is 4. This is a fact question asked in the negative. The DSM-S criteria
require that the consequences of a substance abuse disorder occur during a one-year period.
‘The correct answer is 3. The key to this problem is the worker’s knowledge and belief about
imminent danger to others. The worker’s obligation is to do everything possible to prevent harm
and do it immediately. Talking with the boy might be dangerous and would not protect the
proposed victim.
The correct answer is 1. Many cities and smaller communities establish organizations whose
purposes and activities are guided by public decision-making processes. While strictly speaking
they are nonprofit organizations, they are also more generally described as quasi-public
organizations or institutions because of the close relationship they maintain with government.
The correct answer is 3. The most likely diagnosis, Personality Disorder—Trait Specified
(PD-TS) dependent personality, is supported by the client’s inability to make decisions without
hhis mother’s approval and his unwillingness to incur her displeasure by disagreeing with her. His
inability to make independent decisions or to show initiative at work are classic configurations
for this disorder. The PD--TS diagnosis is new to DSM-S
The correct answer is 3. The recent welfare reform law mandates a lifetime limit for welfare
assistance, a feature that many in social work find short-sighted. Though the law also anticipates
support services to help welfare families achieve independence, these supports have not been
uniformly available. As states implement more restrictive policies, welfare caseloads have
declined. As more clients reach their time limits for assistance, it is anticipated that welfare rolls,
will decline further.
The correct answer is 3. Since Alzheimer’s Disease is progressive and patients rarely improve,
the pressures on families tend to grow more intense as the disease worsens. Each increment in
the disease will increase demands upon farnily members for care and supervision. Moreover,
some Alzheimer’s patients may become demanding and aggressive. If the pressures on the
family grow too intense, higher levels of care may be needed. Social workers can help by
obtaining respite care and other kinds of assistance designed to help the family cope.
The correct answer is 1. The worker’s task is to remain neutral and allow both partners an
opportunity to express their feelings. The worker should not validate the wife’s claim by
assuming its truth, or alternatively accept the accusation and suggest the wife is responsible. The
worker's task is to facilitate discussion of the issue that has been raised, without providing
opportunities for either partner to erect defenses against participation in the process.
‘The correct answer is 3. Answer | is an exhortation which is sure to cause the adolescent to
withdraw. Answer 2 removes responsibility from the child, and answer 4 has a similar effect.19.
20.
21,
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
21.
28,
Social Work Examination Services, Inc. Practice Il - 29
Answer 3 returns the discussion to where it belongs. The client eventually has to choose a course
of action, The process of making the choice will help him become aware of his own motivation
and may help him internalize reasons for not missing school.
The correct answer is 2. Case advocacy focuses on the needs of the client. Other forms of
advocacy may focus on broad social policy or institutional change.
The correct answer is 2. One of the most compelling features of drug usage is the use of denial
asa defense mechanism. Indeed, the strong and persistent use of denial even in the face of
evidence to the contrary may be part of the assessment leading to a diagnosis of substance use or
abuse.
‘The correct answer is 2. Clinicians have found that clients who suffer profound losses seem
better able to discuss feelings and move toward recovery more rapidly in group situations.
‘Mourning groups focused on grief work have become increasing common as the treatment of
choice.
‘The correct answer is 4. A major dilemma in treating alcohol dependence is the degree of denial
that clients express. Many claim they do not have a problem and are not abusing alcohol even in
the face of a job-loss or family dissolution. The worker’s major task is to address the denial, a
first step forward in enabling the client to seek help for the problem. The other responses are not
relevant to treatment of this disorder.
The correct answer is 3. Duration is important for treatment reasons. The DSM-S, for example
provides duration criteria for depressive disorders. All the depressive disorders have been
subsumed under the title major depressive episode which replaces dysthymia and persistent
depressive disorder. A brief episode may be situationally induced or related to a specific but
temporary crisis such as relocation, job loss, or marital problems. With an understanding of the
duration of symptoms, the clinician then might pursue other factors, such as medications or
family history.
The correct answer is 4. A Factitious Disorder while not common is frequent enough to warrant,
concern, In some cases, patients appear at different hospitals under assumed names to obtain the
‘medical attention they crave. Often they present challenging medical symptoms that are self-
induced and can only be addressed by highly invasive procedures.
‘The correct answer is 4. Lithium is the only medication listed that is used for psychiatric
treatment.
The correct answer is 4. This is an ethical, as well as a practice question. The client has the
ultimate right to determine how treatment will be provided. The agreement can be terminated and
the worker should assist in finding an alternative resource.
The correct answer is 1. Social services provisions should be both racially and ethnically neutral,
unless the client has a preference. The answer suggests the worker should begin the interview in
the same way any other interview would begin, without reference to different ethnic or racial
backgrounds.
‘The correct answer is 2. Since the client entered the hospital voluntarily, he cannot be held if he
wishes to leave. The best course for the worker is to try and maintain the relationship, and helpPractice II - 30 Social Work Examination Services, Inc.
31.
32.
33.
34,
35,
36.
37.
the client develop and implement the best possible plan. Simply exhorting the client to stay
might make it difficult to continue assistance and introduce more resistance to the worker.
The correct answer is 1. The Boston model of group development uses these terms to describe
‘group development phases. There are other models, but they tend to be quite similar in their
descriptions of the phases of groups development.
The correct answer is 3. A client is most likely to feel injured when their sense of worth or value
is thought to be at stake. It is possible that a client could fee! injured in any of the above
situations; however, the overarching issue which gives rise to a narcissistic injury is feeling
unheard or unappreciated,
The correct answer is 3. This family was referred by the child protective agency. The worker
needs to establish a helping relationship, and deal with the possibility that the family feels,
coerced into treatment or feels threatened by the possibility of losing their children. If they are
angry or feel humiliated, the worker’s sensitivity may reassure the family that the worker's goal
is to help, not to facilitate the removal of their children.
The correct answer is 2. Itis possible the emotional session that preceded the client's statement
‘was experienced as threatening, or awoke deep feelings that frightened the client. The social
‘worker's goal in this case is to address these feelings and understand how they affected her
desire to terminate.
‘The correct answer is 1. Grandiosity, self absorption, and an inability to empathize with others or
to understand how others respond to them are all attributes of narcissistic personalities.
The correct answer is 1. The mission statement of an agency is an important document that
determines the way the agency’s present and future are implemented and planned. The mission is
also the public face of the organization. It identifies the agency for all its publics, its
constituents, employees, board members, funding agencies, certifying and licensing bodies, and
clients.
The correct answer is 4. Managed care has changed social work practice for many agencies and
practitioners. The emphasis on cost effectiveness, clear goals, and timetables, has the effect of
focusing workers on short term treatment strategies targeted to solving specific problems.
‘The correct answer is 2. Social Settlements are closely linked to group practice. The Charity
Organizations of the late 19* century were the precursors of modern social work in that they
advocated “scientific casework” designed to rehabilitate the poor, rather than humanitarian aid
for its own sake, The Colonial Poor Laws are best understood as a translation of Elizabethan
Poor Law to an American context, They were not fully altered until many forms of public
assistance became a federal function in 1935, with the passage of the Social Security Act.
The correct answer is 3. This question is asked in the negative. Obsessive-compulsive
personality disorder is characterized by orderliness, perseverance, indecisiveness , inflexibility,
and a strong perfectionist drive, Clients usually have difficulty making decisions, have low self
esteem, and are totally dedicated to their work, often to the exclusion of other activities. The
perfectionism can be so prominent that it prevents the person from completing tasks since the
‘work never achieves a sufficient level of quality.
|Social Work Examination Services, Inc. Practice Il - 34
38.
39.
40.
4.
42.
43.
45.
46.
41.
The correct answer is 1. Late onset psychoses tend to be short-lived and have a good prognosis
for complete recovery. Psychoses that appear in late adolescence are likely to be more durable.
The correct answer is 3. The stem provides a classic description of symptoms for Generalized
anxiety disorder. The powerful unfocused anxiety is associated with physical manifestations.
Acute stress disorder would require a specific stressor such as a traumatic event associated with
the anxiety attacks. A social phobia might be indicated if there were specific fears about contacts
with unfamiliar people or fears about being observed by others. Heart disease is specifically
ruled out in the stem.
The correct answer is 3. Clients with Tourette’s syndrome typically make involuntary
movements, sound, or gesticulations that they are unable to control. Both Lou Gebrig’s Disease
and Huntington’s Disease are degenerative diseases that lead to progressive loss of motor
function and eventually death.
The correct answer is 4. This is a bit of a trick question. A responsible mental health
professional should not construct a diagnosis from a social contact. Indeed, any diagnosis based
‘on other than a professional relationship can be deemed highly questionable. The information
available to the social worker is of necessity incomplete and limited, and what is most important,
the purpose of the interaction is social rather than professional,
‘The correct answer is 2. Hallucinations sometimes accompany severe grief reactions, These tend
to be of limited duration and eventually disappear.
‘The correct answer is 4. Cultural sensitivity, among other things, suggests agencies will do their
utmost to insure clients of varying backgrounds will feel comfortable and welcomed. For persons
whose English is limited, itis important to provide help through workers who can communicate
easily with the client,
The correct answer is 2. Cognitive behavioral treatment strategies focus attention on the client’s
observable behaviors, and attributes and seek to treat these. Unconscious or preconscious
motivations would be a focus of more classical methods.
‘The correct answer is 4. TQM, a method that was popularized in the 1980s and 1990s,
emphasizes mediation between the organization's need to satisfy clients by providing effective
services with the organization’s need to provide these in the most cost effective and efficient
way.
The correct answer is 3. This is a definitional question. Splitting is a narcissistic defense in
which people are categorized into good and bad. Nuances in feelings about other are lost in the
extremes, and feelings about others can be quickly reversed. It is a primitive defense that is
frequently found in children and in psychotic adults. Splitting occurs when an individual deals
with emotional conflict or internal or external stressors by compartmentalizing opposite affect
states. Thus, self and other images tend to alternate between polar opposites. The individual is
unable to hold onto ambivalent or mixed feelings simultaneously.
‘The correct answer is 1. In social work, the treatment plan is informed by the psychosocial
evaluation which takes into account the internal workings of the individual as well as their social
and environmental milieu.Practice Il - 32 Social Work Examination Services, Inc.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54,
55,
56.
The correct answer is 2. This is a definitional question. Countertransference is defined as an
unconscious excessive libidinal or aggressive feeling toward a client. In this case, the worker
may have his own concerns about aging or he may have aged and frail parents, and thus his
response to his clients may reflect his feelings about these developmental issues in his own life.
These feelings are then displaced (or transferred) onto the client
The correct answer is 4. Couples therapy is useful when both parties share similar goals for the
treatment. The goals may be such issues as reducing tension around money management or
staying together but they must be shared.
‘The correct answer is 1. The only correct statement is 1. Note that the contract is fluid and can be
changed as the issues change.
The correct answer is 4, The question suggests a large-scale community change project that will
attack problems on a number of fronts. This type of program requires broad community
institutional support if it is to succeed. Even the most carefully crafted plan has a smaller chance
of suecess without broad support,
The correct answer is 2. One of the permissible waivers of confidentiality occurs when a client
sues a worker for malpractice and the worker’s defense demands reference to conversations that
are normally confidential. Breaching confidentiality, however, is still selective and focused only
on those points needed to vindicate the worker.
The best answer is number 3. There are no good answers in a situation like this. A referral to the
Department of Public Health may breach confidentiality, and it will certainly alienate the client.
Demanding the client change is not productive and violates the notion of self-determination. The
client's failure to acknowledge her HIV status to partners may well reflect a lack of resolution in
dealing with her illness. If she maintains safe sex practices, then there is little evidence that she is
endangering others. This is an emerging area of concern, and policies are likely to shift in time.
The correct answer is 2. The client presents the abuse as a long-term problem with two previous
police calls, Ordinarily, police inform victims of their legal rights and provide information about
shelters or women’s advocacy groups. It is usually not poor information holding a woman in an
abusive situation. Often victims believe they deserve abuse; sometimes, there is fear of being
alone. The social worker’s responsibility is to intervene on two levels: the psychological one
Ge,, to evaluate what role emotional and cultural factors play in the maintenance of an abusive
relationship) as well as a practical educative level.
The correct answer is 3. Mrs. J.’s stated goal is to get ajob. It is a specific and concrete goal.
The appropriate focus for treatment then would be for the social worker to help the client
develop the necessary skills to do so, which would include changing her patterns of dependent
behavior.
The correct answer is 4, ‘The vignette describes a pervasive pattem of strange behavior that is
ingrained in the agency. The question involves professional ethics and client safety. Normally, a
worker would first try to stay within the agency's administrative boundaries if malfeasance is,
suspected. However, in this case, the entire agency structure is involved. The board is either
complicit or incompetent. Management is unlikely to respond to internal complaints, since they
are deeply involved in advancing the novel and secretive treatment theory. The worker's best
choice is to go outside the agency.Social Work Examination Services, Inc. Practice Il - 33,
37.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64,
65.
61.
68.
69.
70.
The correct answer is 2. Deinstitutionalization was advanced as « major strategy only after
psychotropic medications proved safe and effective. Prior to that time, there would have been
little professional or political support for releasing seriously ill patients.
The correct answer is 1. Sexual offenders often exhibit profound denial or minimization about
their sexual behavior and, therefore, their statements cannot always be accepted at face value
Moreover, they are highly motivated to dissemble since if they reoffend, it could lead to
imprisonment.
The correct answer is 1. As part of developing a case plan, itis useful to discuss, if only in
general terms, what the client wants or needs as a goal of treatment. The possibility of
terminating when certain goals are achieved can be raised during the case planning process.
‘The correct answer is 1. In most clinical practice, the relationship or clinical alliance is a key
factor in helping clients improve.
The correct answer is 2. The idea that the cause of poverty rested in the larger society rather than
within the attributes of the individual gained currency during the 1960s. The term “blaming the
victim” came to be used to attack the culture of poverty theory. A popular text at the time was
Blaming the Victim, by Ryan, (Vintage Books, 1971) further developed this alternative view.
‘The correct answer is 3. This is a definitional question.
‘The correct answer is 1. Another definitional question, Note that many of the new DSM-5
diagnoses cross over and allow for the elaboration of associated disorders. DSM-5 allows for
‘more complex diagnoses.
The correct answer is 1. The decrease in memory, spatial functioning, and organizational ability
is suggestive of a possible medical condition. A thorough medical and neurological work up is
indicated. While the client may be found to have an early onset of Alzheimer’s disease, this
diagnosis could not and should not be made in the absence of a medical work up.
The correct answer is 3. The client is exhibiting classic signs of intoxication. It is unlikely that
aggressive, demanding behavior would be a feature of withdrawal.
‘The correct answer is 3. Clinicians have observed that panic disorders are often found in people
between the ages of 17-35. There is no explanation, However, panic attacks can occur at any age
and are sometimes associated with other disorders. Panic disorders are often associated with
agoraphobia.
The correct answer is 2. This is a definitional question,
The correct answer is 2. Answer 2 is the only response that offers concrete assistance while also
acknowledging the worker’s strengths. It is the most supportive and practical response. The
other responses essentially tell the worker she has to improve without supervisory help.
‘The correct answer
primary guide for s
All the issues are important considerations, but the Code of Ethics is the
workers when confronted with value and ethical questions.
The correct answer is 4, The problem the client presents is defined as anxiety about achievement
and fear of failing to meet parental expectations (which have been internalized and are now thePractice I
n.
R.
B.
74,
15.
16.
71.
8.
79.
80.
Social Work Examination Services, Inc.
client’s own). An exploration of family relationships and the degree to which the client feels she
can be valued and accepted by family (and self) for who she is, rather than what she achieves, is
important,
The correct answer is 3. This is a fact question based on DSM criteria. The DSM delineates two
subtypes of conduct disorders: Childhood-onset type and adolescent-onset type. They are
differentiated both by age and by the types of behaviors that characteristically appear. The
disorder may be mild, moderate, or severe depending on the number and severity of behaviors.
The eriteria remain unchanged from DS-4TR
The correct answer is 1. The descriptions in the question stem are the classic symptoms for
bulimia.
‘The correct answer is 3. The DSM-5 does not explain the causes, nor does it focus on the :
progression of diseases, except as it aids the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders. It simply
categorizes and describes diagnoses and enables clinicians to talk a common language. The
newer version does promote a research approach to further refine diagnostic criteria.
The correct answer is 2. This is a practice answer that is grounded in social policy. A child 7
protective investigation can cause embarrassment and may anger clients. Yet, a social worker is
obligated to report “suspicion” which is a low threshold for a report. Ifthe report is made in good
faith based on true suspicion, the social worker and the agency are immunized from liability for
the consequences of the report, whether itis found to be true or not, This is an essential feature
of the law, without which few social workers would file reports. If a social worker does not file
a report when there is reasonable suspicion, most state laws indicate penalties. There are very
few reported instances of prosecution of social workers for failure to report.
The correct answer is 4. Normally, a witness can testify only about facts. An expert witness, one :
whose training and credentials equip them with special knowledge, is permitted to provide
opinions in court.
‘The correct answer is 3. This is the most facilitative and empowering answer of the choices
provided. a
The correct answer is 3. Though considered highly questionable by many researchers, single
subject research has become increasingly common. The key in this question is the obvious
reference to only one subject.
The correct answer is 2. The evidence mounts every year that the best predictor of
‘communication skills development in children is the extent to which they communicate with
adults. Children who are talked to and read to develop more rapidly and achieve higher levels of
comprehension than children who do not receive this stimulation.
The correct answer is 1. Psychoeducational groups are designed to provide information and
education to clients. Groups are tailored to the informational needs of clients and are essentially
preventive, rather than remedial.
‘The correct answer is 3. The best answer to this question uses participation and planning as the
primary strategies. The agency has two years to implement the cuts, and the director seeks to find
the least destructive ways to implement them. Across the board cuts are essentially
administrative meat cleavers that indiscriminately reduce all services. Hiring freezes hurt morale81.
82.
83,
85,
86,
87,
88,
89.
Social Work Examination Services, Inc. Practice Il - 35
and have accidental consequences on units that are expanding or that experience resignations.
Advocating against the governor’s decision in public can have only one consequence:
termination of the administrator.
The correct answer is 1. In this question, the best answer is 1. The client may be exhibiting
Munchausen’s syndrome or may be malingering. None of the other responses are responsive to
the stem of the question. There are other psychiatric reasons that might explain these symptoms
(ie., a hysterical paralysis), but they are not mentioned as possibilities.
The correct answer is 4. Erotomania is a delusional belief that someone is in love with the
person. The stem of the question should be taken at face value when it states that there is no
evidence to support the young man’s belief. (Also known as Clerambault-Kandinsky Complex. )
The correct answer is 2. There are no tricks in this question. The only possible correct answer is
2 since it includes physical signs. However, all three variables listed in answer 2 are markers for
child abuse. People who abuse children often have a consistent view of correct discipline that
developed from their own childhood experiences. In short, many abusive parents believe that
society is wrong, rather than their methods of discipline. Many have also experienced neglect or
abuse as children and have no models for less violent, more developmentally appropriate styles
of child-rearing.
‘The correct answer is 2. Though a panic attack is possible with the symptoms described in this
question, the more likely possibility is that Mr. Mendes is exhibiting the classic symptoms of an
“attaque de nervios,” an expression of emotional distress found among people from Latin
America. One significant clue to Mr. Mendes behavior is the relatively solid adaptation he has
exhibited by learning English and seeking to advance himself. Another clue may be drawn from
the calming effect of friends on his behavior and emotions.
The correct answer is 3. Lesser eligibility, a principle drawn from Elizabethan Poor Laws, holds
no welfare recipient should receive benefits that exceed salaries earned by the lowest pai
worker.
The correct answer is 3. Ancedotal evidence suggests fantasizing about clients is common,
Usually these fantasies can be controlled and managed. The best answer is.3, since the social
worker can benefit from airing his feelings with a consultant or supervisor. There is no reason to
end treatment, unless the worker believes the fantasies interfere with the therapeutic relationship.
The fundamental principle is to do what is best for the client. Ending treatment would not be of
help at this point.
The correct answer is 1. Clinicians using systems theory will be concerned about the clients?
networks of relationships and the interactions between them.
The correct answer is number 2. The parents’ response to the boy’s growing independence is
quite common, It suggests they are responding to loss that parents often experience as their
children grow more independent and separate from them. The boy’s resentment is normative and
may be addressed if the parents alter their expectations,
The correct answer is 4. Supportive therapy has been shown to be very effective for people with
schizophrenia. The client is an individual who has a capacity for self-observation and who
wishes to discuss his concerns. A supportive and educative response (as needed) as the client
struggles to adjust to his illness is the best clinical response.Practice Il - 36 Social Work Examination Services, Inc.
90.
1
92.
93.
94,
95.
96.
97.
98.
99.
100.
101.
The correct answer is 1. Behavioral treatment is the most empirical of all treatment methods,
relying heavily on research-based treatment that alters observable behaviors.
The correct answer is 2. There is a body of clinical research that focuses on the impact of
divorce 00 the child. Often, when parents are still in contact following divorce and maintain
conflicts over time, the child may exhibit behavioral and social problems. The correct response
focuses attention on the continuing parental conflict. Since the father is a responsible parent who
is paying child support and seeks visitations, there are positive elements in the relationship that
should not be abandoned. The social worker might try to develop some method for
communicating with both parents that reduces conflict and lowers the level of anger.
The correct answer is 3. The 19 century Charity Organization Societies were precursors to
social casework. To individualize charity, they sent “friendly visitors” to offer guidance to the
poor and to provide follow-up to the planned giving that was an essential component of scientific
charity.
‘The correct answer is 1. Overhead incorporates non-program or service delivery expenses such
as management costs, accounting fees, general insurance, rent, telephone, and some office
expenses. While all agencies use this category, the exact items incorporated in overhead may
vary considerably.
The correct answer is 2. “Below-the-line” costs always reflect the costs of program operations
without staff and fringe benefits. Staff costs are usually listed “above-the-line,” as are other
personnel related expenses. Thus, “below the line” costs usually include such items as rent,
office supplies, telephone, public relations, transportation, training, etc.
The correct answer is 4. Acting-out is a direct, impulsive, active manifestation of an unconscious
sh or impulse that is expressed behaviorally.
The correct answer is 4. For the client to feel free to express feelings - and hear feedback - the
worker must be seen as someone who accepts and has regard for the client.
The correct answer is 3. This question tests knowledge of group development theory. The
second stage of group development is that of power and control wherein group members jockey
for status, compete for power among themselves, and test the authority of the group leader. The
behavior described reflects the manner in which 11-year-old boys typically communicate.
The correct answer is 1. Civic associations generally have broad improvement purposes while
social welfare and social service organizations have more specific and targeted purposes.
‘The correct answer is 4. Magical thinking is a kind of primary process thinking in which the
client has an illogical belief that their thoughts or actions can alter the behavior of others or
change events. Piaget also describes this as the pre-operational phase in children,
The correct answer is 3. The question is asked in the negative. A standing committee is a
permanent committee of the legislature. All other choices would be temporary and focused on a
specific task.
The correct answer is 4. It is unlikely that an 18-year-old would return to a chaotic family after
residential treatment. By late adolescence, most agencies will work with adolescents to prepare
them for independent living, work, or advanced education.102.
103.
104,
105.
106.
107.
108.
109.
110.
1.
112,
113,
Social Work Examination Services, Inc. Practice Il - 37
The correct answer is 3. In-kind assistance is aid provided instead of cash for specific purposes.
Reduced cost housing, food, medical care, and transportation are forms of in-kind assistance.
The correct answer is 2. The first goal is to protect the child” and telling the family may actually
increase the danger to the child. The social worker’s legal obligation is to make a report.
The correct answer is 1. Old age insurance under the Social Security Act is administered totally
by the federal government with no local participation. The other programs listed are either
administered at the local level or require local funds.
The correct answer is 3. Answers 1 and 4 ask the client to accept the authority of the agency or
the social worker based on external factors rather than on the relational experience of the client.
answer 2 is incorrect because it is not true. There can be circumstances when client-worker
privilege is overruled.
The correct answer is 2. The term case advocacy is often contrasted with institutional advocacy.
Case advocacy bears on an individual case, while institutional advocacy focuses on
organizational change for an entire class of clients. One of the roles that case managers play is
developing resources necessary to fulfill the service agency’s component of the case plan. This is
one form of case advocacy.
The correct answer is 2. Generally, the recommended treatment for pedophiles and other sexual
offenders is group treatment with other sexual offenders. These groups are often confrontational
and have an unusual capacity for piercing the veil of denial that often characterizes sex
offenders.
The correct answer is 2. Stressors are life-changing events. A move to a new house, a new job or
unemployment, a death in the family these are all stressors that demand some adjustment.
‘The correct answer is 4. The correct answer encourages the client to continue, while
acknowledging the underlying legitimacy of the client's feelings.
The correct answer is 3. The correct response does not impose closure on the woman’s
discussion, but opens up another avenue for her to understand her response to the move in the
here-and-now. The other answers all seem to offer false or irrelevant reassurance about an
imagined future state that trivialize her feelings.
The correct answer is 1. The problem described in the stem often occurs with clients who are
coerced into treatment through court orders or other means. Answer 1 provides the client with an
empathic response from the social worker. It allows the social worker to join with the client
rather than assuming an adversarial stance.
The correct answer is 4. Marital status and age should not be factors in a job interview.
Submitting a picture with an application is now seen as suspicious, since pictures can be used to
screen for race. Listing previous jobs is a legitimate question as it suggests experience and
competence for the position.
The correct answer is 4. FAS, which is caused by maternal alcohol abuse, particularly during the
early months of pregnancy, can produce physical abnormalities as well as mental retardation.
Limb and heart defects are also common. It is believed that alcohol abuse is the leading cause of
‘mental retardation.| Practice Il - 38 ‘Social Work Examination Services, Inc.
114,
115,
119,
| 116.
y 117.
118.
120.
121.
1
|
| 122.
The correct answer is 4. The behaviors described are among the signs of amphetamine use and
are similar to those of cocaine. Grandiosity, euphoria, and high energy often accompany
amphetamine use. Other behaviors include hyper-vigilance, impaired judgement, heightened
sensitivity, and changes in sociability. The symptoms usually disappear within 24 hours.
The correct answer is 1. Factitious disorder imposed on another, replaces the previous diagnosis
of Munchausen’s by proxy. It is similar to other factitious disorders except another person is
used to produce the symptoms and secure the wanted attention. A mother with an ill child will
attract sympathy and attention from doctors and health personnel. The feature in this vignette
that reveals the probability of this diagnosis is that there is no clinical corroboration of findings.
Parents have sometimes been barred from a child’s hospital room because medical tests only
show anomalies when parents are present, ic., blood in the urine.
The correct answer is 2. The key word in this question is “statistically significant.” An
experimental design is ordinarily not possible in a practice setting, as there are ethical, policy,
and practice constraints against denying service to people in need. Since a control group requires
an equivalent population that did not receive the intervention, an experimental design is usually
impractical for most practice settings. Quasi-experimental designs, the correct response, allow
variations in the intervention, in time, and in the population served, and are more generally used
in systematic evaluations. Single subject research is not a statistical procedure and can only
provide very limited evidence. Type 2 is a nonsense choice since it refers to a category of
statistical error.
The correct answer is 3. Pseudomutuality occurs when dysfunctional families mask emotional
expressions that are threatening to the family. Often, these families develop their own private
modes of expression that are not comprehensible to outsiders.
The correct answer is 2. All the reasons cited are important, but the most important clinical
purpose is to allow the clinician to assess progress and revise treatment strategy.
The correct answer is 1. This trio of defense mechanisms is featured prominently in people with
addictive disorders. They are especially apparent in the earlier stages of recovery. One would
expect that a group composed of people with addictions issues would, in the aggregate, reflect
those traits.
The correct answer is 2. While social workers can and should express a right to confidential
communication, they may nonetheless be ordered by a judge to answer questions in court. They
can be held in contempt if they still refuse to answer. As a matter of conscience, some social
workers have refused to testify when they felt the answers might endanger clients.
The correct answer is 1. This response seeks to create an alliance between the client and the
social worker. Maintaining the relationship is extremely important. The information provided
does not indicate there are grounds for an involuntary commitment. Hallucinations and
noncompliance with treatment plans alone are not sufficient to involuntarily hospitalize. Answer
3 potentially puts the worker in an adversarial relationship with the client who might interpret
this response in a paranoid way, i.., that the therapist doesn’t respect or is against the client. It
can sever the relationship. Answer 4 is unacceptable. To ask the partner to care for the client
when he obviously does not wish to, is inappropriate
‘The correct answer is 4. The fact that the person threatening the father is his son complicates the
situation, but doesn’t change the basic facts. When an individual has a reasonable fear, theySocial Work Examination Services, Inc. Practice Il - 39
123,
124,
125,
126.
127,
128,
129,
130.
131
132.
should take action on their own behalf to protect themselves. The social worker would be correct
in advising the client to call the police.
The correct answer is 2. The Colonial Poor Laws derived from Elizabethan concepts which
delegated responsibility for the poor to local government. It was not until the Social Security Act
of 1935 that most of the obligation was shifted to Federal and State governments.
The correct answer is 3. Obsessive compulsive disorder is associated with a drive toward
perfectionism and a preoccupation with rules, details, and formulas that is so pronounced that the
point of the activity is lost. Clients with this disorder are often overconscientious and inflexible
about moral issues. They often have difficulty completing tasks, as the work is never good
enough to satisfy unrealistic criteria.
The correct answer is 1. Chronically stressful family lives, abuse, and discord are markers for
aggression against self and others. While suicidal behavior often occurs in the context of a
variety of stressors, the ability to contextualize stress and develop coping strategies is, in part,
related to family experiences. Children whose families are dysfunctional, filled with discord, and
violence, often have few resources to deal with stress and may act out violently.
The correct answer is 3. This is a fact question. The correct answer is the DSM-5 descriptor that
replaces dysthymic disorder.
The correct answer is 3. Supportive groups are normally encouraged to socialize outside of
group meetings. Often, these groups are designed to decrease social isolation and to introduce
people to others with similar characteristics.
‘The correct answer is 4. Either out of fear, or because they believe themselves responsible for
provoking the violence, some abused women permit violent men to reenter their lives even after
they have sought the protection of the court. Social workers who work with victims of violence
need to be alert to signs that the woman is allowing the man to reenter the situation,
‘The correct answer is 2. The right to privacy is one of the mote sensitive practice issues. Clients
need to be aware of the limits at the start of treatment. Full disclosure can actually be helpful in
building trust, and it is ethically imperative.
‘The correct answer is 4. There is little question that attempts to dictate to clients or to anyone for
that matter will have predictable results. The individual will resist. There will also be a failure of
trust and reduced likelihood the client will remain open and forthcoming.
The correct answer is 2. Cognitive theories of depression hold cognitive dysfunctions lie at the
core of depression and symptoms such as low energy levels ensue from depression. The CBT
strategy is to try and change the clients’ characteristic ways of thinking about themselves and
their expectations of themselves. Clients are helped to rehearse new cognitive responses that
redefine and soften their images of self, and develop new behavioral responses. Techniques
include structured activities, readings, identification of irrational beliefs, and skills teaching,
‘The correct answer is 4. Helping seriously mentally ill clients sustain themselves in the
community often requires structured opportunities for social contacts to break down isolation and
to provide ongoing support. Regular group meetings also impose some structure on clients”
lives, without which they would have little to do.