Study Group Test

A 15-year-old girl has recently been placed with a foster family whose religious beliefs differ significantly from her own. The foster parents express a desire for the teenager to participate in their religious practices, believing it will help her integrate into the family. However, the teenager is uncomfortable with these practices and expresses a desire to continue observing her own faith. What is the social worker’s BEST course of action in this situation?

During a session with a social worker, a client expresses concerns about the amount of time he spends playing video games. He reports being preoccupied with game strategy and planning, to the extent that he struggles to focus on other aspects of his life. The client shares that he has made attempts to control his gaming habits but feels incapable of doing so. The social worker observes signs of distress as the client discusses the issue. What should the social worker FIRST assess?

A social worker receives a referral from parents regarding their 12-year-old son, who has become increasingly withdrawn, irritable, and shows noticeable changes in appetite and sleep patterns. The parents report that these symptoms have persisted for several months and are negatively impacting his school performance and social interactions. A preliminary social history indicates symptoms consistent with Major Depressive Disorder. What should the social worker do FIRST?

A social worker starts working with a 90-year-old man who recently lost his wife of 60 years. He feels irritable, tired, and has trouble sleeping but believes these changes are due to grief. He denies suicidal thoughts or major issues with daily life but mentions a lack of motivation for socializing and activities. The social worker finds out that a hospital social worker already evaluated him for depression. What should the social worker do FIRST?

A social worker meets with a 15-year-old girl and her mother to address ongoing family conflict, increased anger, and defiant behavior at home. During the session, the mother discloses that the teenager experienced sexual abuse in early childhood but has never spoken about it with anyone. When the issue is raised, the teenager denies any memory of the abuse and appears defensive, shifting the conversation back to the family conflict. The mother expresses concern that the past abuse may be contributing to her daughter’s current struggles but is unsure how to approach the topic. What should the social worker do FIRST?

A social worker meets with the parent of a 7-year-old child with severe physical disabilities. The child requires extensive daily care, which has a significant impact on the family’s routines, finances, and emotional well-being. The family receives support from various professionals, including healthcare providers and educators, but the parent expresses frustration about unmet needs and service gaps. The social worker observes signs of burnout in the parent, such as fatigue and difficulty identifying specific concerns. What should the social worker do FIRST?

A mother consults a social worker regarding her three-year-old child, who has begun wetting the bed frequently. The mother explains that this behavior started shortly after the arrival of a new baby in the family. She expresses frustration and concern, as the child had previously been toilet-trained. The child does not exhibit any other signs of distress or physical symptoms. What should the social worker do FIRST?

A 14-year-old adolescent in treatment at a family counseling agency tells the social worker that he is actively contemplating suicide. After assessing the situation, the social worker determines the threat to be serious. The adolescent also expresses feelings of isolation and is reluctant to involve his family, even though they are concerned about his well-being. While the social worker knows the family is supportive, they are uncertain about how the adolescent will respond to their involvement. What should the social worker do FIRST?

During an initial evaluation, a 53-year-old man expresses distress about changes in his sex life with his wife. He shares that they previously had an active sex life, but since his wife entered menopause a few months ago, she frequently declines intimacy, stating she is not in the mood. The client acknowledges that his online research has normalized his wife’s experience, yet he continues to suspect she may be having an affair, despite a lack of evidence. He reports feeling rejected and frustrated but is unsure how to approach the situation. What is the social worker’s MOST appropriate action?

A social worker at a community mental health clinic is working with a 28-year-old client who has been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. During the third session, the client discloses that they are considering quitting their full-time job due to overwhelming stress and a perceived lack of support from colleagues. The client lives alone, has no significant support network, and is financially dependent on their income to meet basic needs. They ask the social worker if quitting their job would be the best decision. What should the social worker do FIRST?

A social worker in a mental health clinic is working with a client who has been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. During a session, the client reveals feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities but is unwilling to accept medication or attend group therapy. The client expresses a strong preference for self-help techniques, despite limited success in the past. What should the social worker do FIRST?

A social worker is providing therapy to a 30-year-old woman who has a history of trauma. The client is making slow progress and is consistently late to sessions. During a session, the client reveals a new trauma related to childhood abuse. The client expresses shame and fear of being judged by the therapist. What should the social worker do FIRST?

A social worker is conducting a home visit for a family with a 5-year-old child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The mother reports that the child’s behaviors have worsened, and she is feeling increasingly overwhelmed. The father is skeptical about therapy and prefers using behavioral strategies that worked with older children. What should the social worker do FIRST?