ASWB LCSW CLINICAL EXAM QUESTIONS &
ANSWERS
In treating a client in crisis, the caseworker should focus on
a. the immediate presenting problem
b. a few specific problems in day-to-day functioning
c. a wide range of problems in day-to-day functioning
d. underlying personality problems - Answers-the immediate presenting problem
A social worker is interviewing a new patient who presents some symptoms of
depression. The patient reports recent changes such as diminished functioning, marked
weight gain, early morning awakening, fatigue, inability to concentrate, suicidal thoughts
and headaches. The patient mentions that he started a new medication for a medical
condition three weeks ago. The worker would first:
a. arrange a psychiatric consultation in order to have an anti-depressant prescribed
b. ascertain the prescribed medication and investigate its side-effects
c. proceed with a thorough psychosocial history and precipitating events
d. hospitalize this patient until the suicidal ideation passes - Answers-ascertain the
prescribed medication and investigate its side-effects
A social worker is utilizing environmental manipulation as a technique when he/she:
a. represents the agency at a health and welfare council meeting
b. uses a psychosocial framework
c. suggests the use of psychoactive medications
d. helps the client find more satisfying employment in a supportive environment -
Answers-helps the client find more satisfying employment in a supportive environment
A diagnosis of Schizophreniform Disorder is generally applied to clients whose
psychotic symptoms:
a. are related to substance abuse
b. are very long term
c. show a marked and continuing decline in functioning
d. are similar to those of schizophrenia and have existed more than one month, but less
than six months. - Answers-are similar to those of schizophrenia and have existed more
than one month, but less than six months.
A social worker and his agency supervisor are sued for malpractice by the family of a
teen age boy who made several attempts at suicide and finally succeeded in killing
himself. Which statement best reflects the supervisor's legal status in this lawsuit?
, a. Since the supervisor was not the direct clinician and had never personally treated the
youth, she is not liable for any negligent actions committed by others in the agency.
b. The supervisor shares vicarious legal liability and is responsible for carefully
monitoring and evaluating the status of every case under treatment by her supervisees,
and for keeping records concerning the supervisee's work on the case.
c. The agency is the only legally liable party and the workers are not individually
responsible.
d. In cases such as these, parents often believe that a finding of negligence on the part
of the clinician will reduce their sense of loss and failure. The laws - Answers-The
supervisor shares vicarious legal liability and is responsible for carefully monitoring and
evaluating the status of every case under treatment by her supervisees, and for keeping
records concerning the supervisee's work on the case.
c. The agency is the only legally liable party and the workers are not individually
responsible.
A patient presents at an ambulatory care facility and is in obvious psychological
distress, showing severe anxiety and paranoia. The clinician is unable to determine the
exact configuration of the patient's symptoms, but is certain that it is an Anxiety
Disorder. The worker is unable to determine if the is order is primary, caused by the
patient's severe kidney disease or related to other factors such as the patient's
continuing substance abuse. The most likely DSM IV diagnosis is;
a. Anxiety Disorder, with generalized anxiety
b. Anxiety Disorder, undifferentiated
c. Anxiety Disorder, NOS
d. Anxiety Disorder, provisional - Answers-Anxiety Disorder, NOS
A school social worker interviews a 15 year old male student with an IQ of 70. Though
assigned to slower classes, the student maintains social relationships and is able to
respond appropriately to teachers and class mates. His school work is within the range
that would be expected for his recorded IQ. He can read somewhat below grade level.
and is able to do very basic arithmetic. He is also able to follow instructions and is
generally amiable in responding to coaching and correction. In developing a plan with
this student and the family, the social worker would:
a. plan for eventual supervised residence in a facility for the mentally disabled
b. establish a plan that includes vocational preparation and that will eventually lead to
independent living.
c. emphasize vocational achievement in the near term
d. provide coaching and tutoring to improve his reading - Answers-establish a plan that
includes vocational preparation and that will eventually lead to independent living.
A DSM IV diagnosis of a specific disorder generally includes a criterion of:
a. a clinically significant impairment, or distress in a social, occupational, or other
important area.
ANSWERS
In treating a client in crisis, the caseworker should focus on
a. the immediate presenting problem
b. a few specific problems in day-to-day functioning
c. a wide range of problems in day-to-day functioning
d. underlying personality problems - Answers-the immediate presenting problem
A social worker is interviewing a new patient who presents some symptoms of
depression. The patient reports recent changes such as diminished functioning, marked
weight gain, early morning awakening, fatigue, inability to concentrate, suicidal thoughts
and headaches. The patient mentions that he started a new medication for a medical
condition three weeks ago. The worker would first:
a. arrange a psychiatric consultation in order to have an anti-depressant prescribed
b. ascertain the prescribed medication and investigate its side-effects
c. proceed with a thorough psychosocial history and precipitating events
d. hospitalize this patient until the suicidal ideation passes - Answers-ascertain the
prescribed medication and investigate its side-effects
A social worker is utilizing environmental manipulation as a technique when he/she:
a. represents the agency at a health and welfare council meeting
b. uses a psychosocial framework
c. suggests the use of psychoactive medications
d. helps the client find more satisfying employment in a supportive environment -
Answers-helps the client find more satisfying employment in a supportive environment
A diagnosis of Schizophreniform Disorder is generally applied to clients whose
psychotic symptoms:
a. are related to substance abuse
b. are very long term
c. show a marked and continuing decline in functioning
d. are similar to those of schizophrenia and have existed more than one month, but less
than six months. - Answers-are similar to those of schizophrenia and have existed more
than one month, but less than six months.
A social worker and his agency supervisor are sued for malpractice by the family of a
teen age boy who made several attempts at suicide and finally succeeded in killing
himself. Which statement best reflects the supervisor's legal status in this lawsuit?
, a. Since the supervisor was not the direct clinician and had never personally treated the
youth, she is not liable for any negligent actions committed by others in the agency.
b. The supervisor shares vicarious legal liability and is responsible for carefully
monitoring and evaluating the status of every case under treatment by her supervisees,
and for keeping records concerning the supervisee's work on the case.
c. The agency is the only legally liable party and the workers are not individually
responsible.
d. In cases such as these, parents often believe that a finding of negligence on the part
of the clinician will reduce their sense of loss and failure. The laws - Answers-The
supervisor shares vicarious legal liability and is responsible for carefully monitoring and
evaluating the status of every case under treatment by her supervisees, and for keeping
records concerning the supervisee's work on the case.
c. The agency is the only legally liable party and the workers are not individually
responsible.
A patient presents at an ambulatory care facility and is in obvious psychological
distress, showing severe anxiety and paranoia. The clinician is unable to determine the
exact configuration of the patient's symptoms, but is certain that it is an Anxiety
Disorder. The worker is unable to determine if the is order is primary, caused by the
patient's severe kidney disease or related to other factors such as the patient's
continuing substance abuse. The most likely DSM IV diagnosis is;
a. Anxiety Disorder, with generalized anxiety
b. Anxiety Disorder, undifferentiated
c. Anxiety Disorder, NOS
d. Anxiety Disorder, provisional - Answers-Anxiety Disorder, NOS
A school social worker interviews a 15 year old male student with an IQ of 70. Though
assigned to slower classes, the student maintains social relationships and is able to
respond appropriately to teachers and class mates. His school work is within the range
that would be expected for his recorded IQ. He can read somewhat below grade level.
and is able to do very basic arithmetic. He is also able to follow instructions and is
generally amiable in responding to coaching and correction. In developing a plan with
this student and the family, the social worker would:
a. plan for eventual supervised residence in a facility for the mentally disabled
b. establish a plan that includes vocational preparation and that will eventually lead to
independent living.
c. emphasize vocational achievement in the near term
d. provide coaching and tutoring to improve his reading - Answers-establish a plan that
includes vocational preparation and that will eventually lead to independent living.
A DSM IV diagnosis of a specific disorder generally includes a criterion of:
a. a clinically significant impairment, or distress in a social, occupational, or other
important area.
