LMSW Practice Exam [Complete Exam Questions
with verified Answers] 100%Correct Answers
1. A client reports feeling overwhelmed after starting a new job. What is the
FIRST action the social worker should take?
A. Suggest relaxation techniques
B. Explore the client’s coping history
C. Teach time-management skills
D. Recommend a support group
Answer: B
Rationale: First, the social worker assesses the client’s current coping
mechanisms before providing interventions.
2. A mandated client refuses to participate in treatment. What is the MOST
appropriate response?
A. Notify the court immediately
B. Explain consequences of noncompliance
C. Terminate services
D. Focus on building rapport
Answer: D
Rationale: Establishing rapport increases engagement, especially in mandated
clients.
3. A social worker suspects a colleague is practicing while impaired. What
should the social worker do FIRST?
A. Report to law enforcement
B. Confront the colleague directly
C. Review agency policy
D. Report to the supervisor
,Answer: C
Rationale: Ethical practice requires following agency policy before taking
further action.
4. A client presents with symptoms of major depression. What is the FIRST
assessment step?
A. Assess suicide risk
B. Explore family history
C. Recommend medication
D. Refer to psychiatry
Answer: A
Rationale: Safety assessment is always the priority.
5. A mother expresses concern that her teenager is isolating and irritable.
What should the social worker do FIRST?
A. Recommend family therapy
B. Conduct a full psychosocial assessment
C. Suggest the teen keep a mood journal
D. Schedule separate appointments
Answer: B
Rationale: Begin with a comprehensive assessment to determine needs.
6. A client discloses intent to harm someone but refuses to name the person.
What should the social worker do FIRST?
A. Involuntarily hospitalize the client
B. Contact police to report the threat
C. Increase session frequency
D. Continue exploring details of the threat
Answer: D
Rationale: Obtain specific information to assess risk and duty-to-warn
obligations.
, 7. During an intake, a client begins crying. What is the MOST appropriate
response?
A. Change the topic
B. Offer tissues and allow silence
C. Ask them to continue answering questions
D. Interpret the meaning of their crying
Answer: B
Rationale: This conveys empathy and allows the client to self-regulate.
8. A social worker receives a subpoena for client records. What should the
social worker do FIRST?
A. Release all records
B. Inform the client
C. Consult with agency legal counsel
D. Refuse the subpoena
Answer: C
Rationale: Legal consultation is needed to determine the proper response.
9. Which of the following BEST represents informed consent?
A. Client signs paperwork without explanation
B. Client agrees after provider explains services
C. Client is required to sign before treatment
D. Client signs a release of information
Answer: B
Rationale: Informed consent requires explanation and understanding.
10. A client frequently misses appointments. What is the FIRST priority?
A. Review attendance policy
B. Explore barriers to attendance
C. Terminate services
D. Charge a no-show fee
with verified Answers] 100%Correct Answers
1. A client reports feeling overwhelmed after starting a new job. What is the
FIRST action the social worker should take?
A. Suggest relaxation techniques
B. Explore the client’s coping history
C. Teach time-management skills
D. Recommend a support group
Answer: B
Rationale: First, the social worker assesses the client’s current coping
mechanisms before providing interventions.
2. A mandated client refuses to participate in treatment. What is the MOST
appropriate response?
A. Notify the court immediately
B. Explain consequences of noncompliance
C. Terminate services
D. Focus on building rapport
Answer: D
Rationale: Establishing rapport increases engagement, especially in mandated
clients.
3. A social worker suspects a colleague is practicing while impaired. What
should the social worker do FIRST?
A. Report to law enforcement
B. Confront the colleague directly
C. Review agency policy
D. Report to the supervisor
,Answer: C
Rationale: Ethical practice requires following agency policy before taking
further action.
4. A client presents with symptoms of major depression. What is the FIRST
assessment step?
A. Assess suicide risk
B. Explore family history
C. Recommend medication
D. Refer to psychiatry
Answer: A
Rationale: Safety assessment is always the priority.
5. A mother expresses concern that her teenager is isolating and irritable.
What should the social worker do FIRST?
A. Recommend family therapy
B. Conduct a full psychosocial assessment
C. Suggest the teen keep a mood journal
D. Schedule separate appointments
Answer: B
Rationale: Begin with a comprehensive assessment to determine needs.
6. A client discloses intent to harm someone but refuses to name the person.
What should the social worker do FIRST?
A. Involuntarily hospitalize the client
B. Contact police to report the threat
C. Increase session frequency
D. Continue exploring details of the threat
Answer: D
Rationale: Obtain specific information to assess risk and duty-to-warn
obligations.
, 7. During an intake, a client begins crying. What is the MOST appropriate
response?
A. Change the topic
B. Offer tissues and allow silence
C. Ask them to continue answering questions
D. Interpret the meaning of their crying
Answer: B
Rationale: This conveys empathy and allows the client to self-regulate.
8. A social worker receives a subpoena for client records. What should the
social worker do FIRST?
A. Release all records
B. Inform the client
C. Consult with agency legal counsel
D. Refuse the subpoena
Answer: C
Rationale: Legal consultation is needed to determine the proper response.
9. Which of the following BEST represents informed consent?
A. Client signs paperwork without explanation
B. Client agrees after provider explains services
C. Client is required to sign before treatment
D. Client signs a release of information
Answer: B
Rationale: Informed consent requires explanation and understanding.
10. A client frequently misses appointments. What is the FIRST priority?
A. Review attendance policy
B. Explore barriers to attendance
C. Terminate services
D. Charge a no-show fee
