ASSESSMENT
What is the FIRST step when a client presents with vague symptoms of anxiety, sleep disturbance, and irritability?
Conduct a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment.
A client reports panic attacks. What should the social worker assess FIRST?
Medical conditions and substance use.
Treatment goals should be written using which standard?
SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-limited)
Erikson’s stage for adolescence focuses on what conflict?
Identity vs. Role Confusion
The CORE value of social work emphasizing client self-determination is called what?
Respect for the dignity and worth of the person.
A client reports suicidal ideation but denies intent or plan. What should the social worker assess NEXT?
Protective factors and access to means.
A client experiences excessive anxiety occurring more days than not for over 6 months. Most likely diagnosis?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
A client is ambivalent about change. Which approach is MOST appropriate?
Motivational Interviewing.
What developmental task is central to early adulthood?
Intimacy vs. Isolation
When can confidentiality be legally broken?
When there is risk of serious, foreseeable harm
Which assessment tool is MOST appropriate for screening depression in a primary care setting?
PHQ-9
What diagnosis requires exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
What must ALWAYS occur before implementing a treatment plan?
Informed consent
Piaget’s stage involving abstract thinking is called what?
Formal Operational Stage
A social worker recognizes bias toward a client. What should they do FIRST?
Acknowledge the bias and seek supervision.
During intake, a client discloses childhood trauma. What is the BEST next assessment step?
Assess current functioning and safety before exploring trauma history.
A client shows unstable relationships, identity disturbance, impulsivity, and fear of abandonment. Diagnosis?
Borderline Personality Disorder.
A treatment plan should be updated when which of the following occurs?
A change in diagnosis, goals, or client needs
A child who cannot conserve volume is likely in which stage?
Preoperational Stage
Accepting gifts from clients is BEST handled by doing what?
Evaluating cultural context, value of gift, and risk to boundaries
A client presents with substance use and mood symptoms. What is the MOST critical assessment consideration?
Determine whether symptoms are substance-induced or independent.
A social worker should defer diagnosis when symptoms are better explained by what factor?
A medical condition or substance use.
What is the PRIMARY purpose of treatment planning?
To guide interventions and measure progress
Which theory emphasizes attachment as critical to early emotional development?
Attachment Theory (Bowlby)
If a social worker’s personal values conflict with professional responsibilities, what is the BEST course of action?
Adhere to professional ethical standards and seek supervision as needed.