LMSW Practice Test Questions

Questions and Answers

The most likely diagnosis for this client would fall into which category?

Cluster A

Cluster B (correct)

Cluster C

None of the above

Which of the following sampling strategies is most apt to yield a sample that reflects the ethnic composition of the area?

Simple random sampling

Convenience sampling

Snowball sampling

Stratified sampling (correct)

Under these circumstances, what is the FIRST thing that the social worker should do?

Greet the woman in English

Which of the following is the larger, more dominant system that provides instrumental and pragmatic needs for physical survival?

The Sustaining System Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the FIRST consideration in selecting a treatment approach for the client?

The level of care needed Signup and view all the answers

A social worker's FIRST step with a client suffering from panic attacks would be to?

Assess the client's current situation Signup and view all the answers

In a Task-Centered Treatment approach, who should establish the treatment goals?

The client and the social worker should jointly establish the treatment goals Signup and view all the answers

In this situation, the social worker should:

Allow the patient to move into his motor home Signup and view all the answers

The most appropriate diagnosis for the college student after a recent break-up would be:

Adjustment disorder with depressed mood Signup and view all the answers

Your BEST response regarding the ethically inappropriate consent form is:

Refuse to use the form Signup and view all the answers

A 'Type I Error' in statistical research refers to:

Rejecting the null hypothesis when it is true Signup and view all the answers

Identify the missing step in Albert R. Roberts' crisis intervention model:

Identify problems Signup and view all the answers

Self-Psychology acknowledges that personality is partly formed by social structure. This process is called:

Transmuting internalization Signup and view all the answers

The name of the theorist who established a theoretical orientation differing from Freud's is:

Alfred Adler Signup and view all the answers

Specify the Level and Stage of moral development that applies to the individual obsessed with approval:

Conventional Level, Stage 3 Signup and view all the answers

The most likely diagnosis for the wife in a marriage characterized by discord is:

Borderline personality disorder Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a criterion for the diagnosis of individuals with a specific disorder?

A stable sense of self Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a standard for cultural competence according to the NASW?

Social workers should seek diversity in providing services Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct order of axes for the DSM-IV-TR?

Axis V; Axis III; Axis II; Axis IV; Axis I Signup and view all the answers

What is the most appropriate diagnosis for a youth displaying frequent temper loss and argumentative behavior?

Oppositional Defiant Disorder Signup and view all the answers

Which definition correctly describes Encopresis?

The voluntary or involuntary passage of stool inappropriately by a child over age four Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following criteria does NOT help distinguish substance abuse from substance dependence?

Substance abuse typically involves narcotics Signup and view all the answers

What are the classic diagnostic 'A's' of schizophrenia?

Affect, associations, ambivalence, and autism Signup and view all the answers

In a social worker's session, if a client expresses no distress but their family indicates problems, what is likely the diagnosis?

Bipolar I, single manic episode Signup and view all the answers

What is the therapeutic approach focusing on unconscious drives and internal conflicts?

Psychoanalytic approach Signup and view all the answers

Which stage is part of group development according to its concepts?

Power and control Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for breaking down concerns into smaller parts during a counseling session?

Partialization Signup and view all the answers

What is the evaluation process for 'single system' research designs aimed at?

Evaluating a client's practice Signup and view all the answers

What behavior does the father exemplify when he repeatedly gives the girl another chance despite her drinking?

Enabling Signup and view all the answers

What should a social worker do FIRST when parents refuse to communicate with their child in treatment?

Assess the child's response Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common indicator of abuse?

Stuttering Signup and view all the answers

How is the concept of gender roles BEST defined?

Attitudes and behaviors attached to individuals because of their sex Signup and view all the answers

Which type of interviewing question is MOST likely to generate client defensiveness?

Why Signup and view all the answers

What should a social worker consider when encountering a client with different speech patterns?

Speech is influenced by culture and experience Signup and view all the answers

At what age do initial symptoms of schizophrenia MOST often occur?

17 to 45 Signup and view all the answers

How can a social worker evaluate client satisfaction most effectively?

At termination, asking clients to complete a satisfaction form Signup and view all the answers

What should a social worker FIRST do when assessing child abuse risk for a child from a different ethnic background?

Be aware of personal cultural biases Signup and view all the answers

What should a social worker do when facing a client with racist beliefs?

Respect the beliefs and focus on presenting problems Signup and view all the answers

What phase leads to the implementation of intervention in the helping process?

Exploration, assessment and planning Signup and view all the answers

What should a supervisor do to help a social worker develop empathy towards clients?

Model empathetic communication Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of feedback in a social worker interview?

Let the client know the worker understands the issue Signup and view all the answers

What intervention strategy is best demonstrated by asking group members to identify areas of competence?

Empowerment Signup and view all the answers

According to Beck, a depressed person does not see the positive aspects of his/her situation because of:

A dysfunctional schema Signup and view all the answers

It is necessary to obtain informed consent prior to giving out data about a patient. Which of the following statements is MOST correct regarding this issue?

You must obtain informed consent from your patient in most situations, but not in all situations. Signup and view all the answers

A soldier with combat-related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder desires to return to combat. What is the first thing you should do?

Assess progress in treatment and current level of functioning. Signup and view all the answers

A man is referred by his primary care provider and presents with a diagnosis of Hypochondriasis. What is the FIRST crucial step in treatment?

Establishment of trust and appreciation for the patient's problems Signup and view all the answers

Client: 'I'm depressed. I've lost my hair at a much quicker rate than I thought possible. I'm terribly embarrassed to go out in public. I'm feeling extremely anxious and uneasy about my baldness.' Social Worker: 'You're anxious and uneasy about the transformations that are a natural process of aging.' The social worker's response is:

Reflection of feeling Signup and view all the answers

How do you find the median of a set with an even number of items?

Find the average of the two middle numbers. Signup and view all the answers

A young, beginning social worker has some intrapersonal and interpersonal struggles with women in authority positions that stem from her poor relationship with her mother. The social worker's client is a female 50-ish successful CEO of an Internet start-up. The social worker is likely to struggle in therapy due to:

Counter-transference Signup and view all the answers

The BEST example of the educational component of supervision is:

Refining knowledge and skills Signup and view all the answers

When treating elder adults with depression, the BEST approach to treatment is:

Coordination between medical and mental health due to the influence of medical conditions on psychiatric symptomatology. Signup and view all the answers

In facilitating a hospital support group for bereaved parents, a social worker can discuss a personal experience of a death of a child to:

Create a sense of shared experience Signup and view all the answers

Professional ethics and professional values differ in which of the following:

Values deal with what is right or wrong in practice, and ethics deals with the principles of practice. Signup and view all the answers

The primary role of a social worker is:

Acting as a resource Signup and view all the answers

What is the first thing to assess in on-site basic crisis intervention, such as in the aftermath of a natural disaster?

Immediate needs for physical safety, food and clothing Signup and view all the answers

A client with a history of drug abuse was referred to a social worker by a concerned relative. The social worker should FIRST:

Refer the client for substance abuse treatment Signup and view all the answers

A 7-year-old child is refusing to sleep in his own bed at night. When the parents sit with him in his room, he is fine. When they leave the room, he begins to cry. When they come back in, he stops crying. This is an example of:

Operant conditioning Signup and view all the answers

In adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, the most frequently encountered defense mechanism is:

Denial Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following approaches would be MOST appropriate to use in evaluating client satisfaction with the social worker's provision of services?

At termination, ask clients to complete a services evaluation and satisfaction form Signup and view all the answers

Older individuals are often misdiagnosed with Alzheimer's when, in fact, the more accurate diagnosis is:

Depression Signup and view all the answers

A social worker is seeing a new client, who is a college student, for therapy. After speaking with the client about her current enrollment at the university, the social worker spent a significant amount of time urging the client to work less so she could focus on school. Which of the following is reflected in the client?

Transference Signup and view all the answers

What is Maslow's 1st Hierarchy of Need?

Physiological: hunger, thirst, bodily comforts, etc. Signup and view all the answers

A client was recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She immediately began to learn everything she could about the illness: reading books, journal articles, and the latest experimental research. The client's response to her diagnosis is representative of which defense mechanism?

Intellectualization Signup and view all the answers

What is Maslow's 2nd Hierarchy of Need?

Safety and security: out of danger Signup and view all the answers

A social worker has been working with a 35-year-old divorced woman who has joint custody of her son. Her ex-husband, whom the social worker has never met, is taking the client to court in an attempt to gain full custody of the son. The social worker receives a subpoena from the husband's attorney requesting records regarding the wife's therapy sessions with the social worker. The social worker is required to do which of the following?

The social worker is required to respond to the subpoena, but is not required to release records since the subpoena was issued by the attorney and not a judge Signup and view all the answers

What is Maslow's 3rd Hierarchy of Need?

Belongingness and Love: affiliate with others, be accepted Signup and view all the answers

What is Maslow's 4th Hierarchy of Need?

Esteem: to achieve, be competent, gain approval, and recognition Signup and view all the answers

A 22-year-old female client is considering having an abortion. Her social worker is pro-choice and feels passionately about the issue. Which of the following is the FIRST thing that the social worker should do in this situation?

She should ask the client to share her rationale for choosing abortion Signup and view all the answers

A teacher has noticed some dramatic behavioral changes in a 7-year-old boy over the recent weeks and has referred him to the school social worker. The child appears distracted in class, no longer finishes his daily assignments, has become aggressive toward peers, has soiled his pants on two occasions, and appears apprehensive around adults. Which of the following might likely be the cause of this child's behaviors?

Possible sexual abuse Signup and view all the answers

What is Freud's oral stage's time frame?

Birth to 12 months Signup and view all the answers

What is Freud's anal stage's key focus?

Controlling bladder and bowels Signup and view all the answers

A 30-year-old gay male is seeking treatment in a mental health agency. The intake social worker begins to gather information to determine this individual's qualification for services. The client states that he has been feeling sad and hopeless, and is losing interest in activities in which he used to participate. He states that he and his partner have recently broken up and that he has been spending less time with his parents and siblings. The intake worker should refer this individual for treatment and identify his presenting problem as:

Depression Signup and view all the answers

What is Freud's Phallic stage's age range?

3 to 6 years old Signup and view all the answers

A client asks the social worker to view his therapy records. The social worker knows that showing the records to the client will be harmful given the client's profile. What is the social worker's ethical responsibility?

The social worker should limit the client's access to his records and provide assistance in interpreting the records shown to the client Signup and view all the answers

A politician recently admitted his arrangement with the pharmaceutical industry, which involved writing key legislation to mandate vaccinations if the industry would, in return, finance the majority of his re-election campaign. According to Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development, at which level of moral development was the politician operating?

Pre-conventional Morality Signup and view all the answers

What is Freud's latent stage's age span?

6 years old to puberty Signup and view all the answers

A client has been drinking frequently since the death of his son last year. He states that he feels better physically when he drinks more, especially in the mid-morning, and that he does not feel intoxicated as often as he did immediately after his son's death. He expresses his desire to quit but says that he cannot get away from the craving. The client feels embarrassed because his sister found him unconscious one night as a result of his drinking. Which of the following would most likely be the social worker's FIRST diagnosis?

Alcohol Dependence Signup and view all the answers

What is Freud's genital stage's time frame?

Puberty to death Signup and view all the answers

What is Erikson's trust/mistrust stage's age range?

Birth to 1 year old Signup and view all the answers

A social worker has recently learned from the wife of a couple he is seeing that the wife believes that she is a lesbian. She states she does not want to share this with her husband. During the next session, the husband asks his wife if she likes women better than men. The wife answers 'No.' What is the FIRST response that the social worker should make in this situation?

Encourage the couple to discuss the issue Signup and view all the answers

What is Erikson's autonomy/shame and doubt stage's time frame?

1 to 3 years old Signup and view all the answers

A social worker receives a new client who is seeking cognitive behavioral therapy, which is not the social worker's treatment of expertise. The social worker should:

Explore the client's reasons for wanting cognitive behavioral therapy Signup and view all the answers

What is Erikson's initiative/guilt stage's age range?

Preschool years Signup and view all the answers

What is Erikson's industry/inferiority stage's age range?

Early school (age 5-11) Signup and view all the answers

What is Erikson's identity/confusion stage's focus?

Children explore independence and sense of self Signup and view all the answers

What is Erikson's intimacy/isolation stage's focus?

Exploring personal relationships Signup and view all the answers

What is Erikson's generativity/stagnation stage's focus?

Career and family Signup and view all the answers

What is Erikson's integrity/despair stage's focus?

Reflecting back on life Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of General Systems Theory?

Holistic approach to look at an individual's systems and how they interact with each other Signup and view all the answers

What does Ecological Systems Theory focus on?

Constant interaction with environment and each system impacts one another Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of Family Systems?

Family affects individual and family functioning across life span Signup and view all the answers

What is Differentiation of Self?

A concept where person has ability for family member to tell difference between their experiences and identify themselves from others Signup and view all the answers

What is Undifferentiated Family Ego Mass?

When family identifications are fused Signup and view all the answers

What is Triangulation in family dynamics?

When parents pull children closer to one side Signup and view all the answers

What is the Nuclear Family Emotional Process?

Mutual emotional force within a family which occurs when there is a chronic family tension Signup and view all the answers

What does Emotional Cut Off refer to?

Unhealthy way of dealing with family growing up or building one's own individual identity Signup and view all the answers

What is Sibling Position?

People tend to have many similarities with those sharing birth order Signup and view all the answers

What is Family Projection Process?

Parents pour emotional problems onto child Signup and view all the answers

What is Multigenerational Transmission Process?

Family projection process repeats itself from each generation Signup and view all the answers

What is Psychodynamic Theory?

Theory that is concerned with how internal processes such as needs, desires, emotions motivate human behavior Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

LMSW Practice Test Questions Summary

Dysfunctional Schema and Depression: Beck emphasizes that depressed individuals often have a dysfunctional schema, preventing them from recognizing positive aspects of their situation.
Informed Consent: In most scenarios, social workers must obtain informed consent from patients before sharing their information, although there are exceptions in specific contexts.
Combat PTSD Treatment: When dealing with a soldier with combat-related PTSD who wishes to return to combat, it is crucial first to assess their treatment progress and functioning level.
Hypochondriasis Treatment: Establishing trust and acknowledging patients' concerns is the primary step in treating someone diagnosed with Hypochondriasis.
Reflection of Feelings: A social worker's response to a client expressing anxiety about baldness demonstrates reflection of feeling, which validates the client's emotions.
Finding the Median: To find the median in an even-numbered data set, calculate the average of the two middle numbers.
Counter-Transference: A beginning social worker may experience counter-transference when their personal issues influence their relationship with a client, particularly in dynamics with authority figures.
Elder Depression Treatment: Effective treatment for elderly clients with depression includes coordination between medical care and mental health services due to potential overlaps with medical conditions.
Values vs. Ethics: Values pertain to determining right from wrong in practice, while ethics relate to the overarching principles guiding professional conduct.
Crisis Intervention Assessment: The first assessment in crisis intervention following a disaster focuses on immediate needs for safety, food, and clothing.
Child Behavior and Operant Conditioning: A child's pattern of crying when left alone but stopping upon the parent's return exemplifies operant conditioning.
Misdiagnosed Elderly Conditions: Depression often mimics Alzheimer's symptoms in the elderly, with approximately 55% inaccurately diagnosed.
Therapist-Client Relationship Dynamics: A client experiencing transference is redirecting feelings from significant figures in their life onto the social worker.
Defense Mechanism in Illness: A client’s extensive research on multiple sclerosis after diagnosis represents intellectualization, a defense mechanism where one processes information to cope.
Subpoena and Confidentiality: A social worker must respond to a subpoena from an attorney but is not mandated to release records unless dictated by a judge.
Client Abortion Decision Context: A social worker should first explore a client's rationale for considering abortion, allowing for a deeper understanding of the client’s decision.
Behavioral Changes in Children: Significant behavioral changes in a child, such as aggression and toilet accidents, may indicate possible sexual abuse or neglect.
Identifying Depression in Adulthood: A 30-year-old male’s symptoms of sadness and loss of interest after a breakup suggest a diagnosis of depression rather than relationship or family issues.
Access to Therapy Records: When a client asks to view sensitive therapy records, a social worker should limit access and assist the client in interpreting any relevant sections.
Moral Development Level: According to Kohlberg’s theory, a politician's self-serving arrangement resembles pre-conventional morality, where actions are taken based on personal gain.
Diagnosis of Alcohol Dependence: A client struggling with alcohol after a personal loss is likely to be diagnosed with alcohol dependence due to identified behavioral patterns.
Encouragement in Couples Therapy: A social worker should promote open discussion between partners regarding sensitive issues, facilitating honesty in the therapeutic relationship.
Therapist Expertise and Referrals: When approached by a client preferring cognitive behavioral therapy, the social worker should explore their reasons before considering referral options.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Diagnosis: A client's behavior focused on achievements and lack of validation suggests a diagnosis of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, classified under Cluster B.
Stratified Sampling for Research: To study drug use among diverse ethnic backgrounds effectively, stratified sampling ensures adequate representation of different groups in the sample.### Sampling Techniques
Simple random sampling involves selecting cases randomly from a sampling frame, ensuring equal selection probability for each case.
Convenience sampling selects cases that are easily accessible, rather than randomly, which may introduce bias.
Snowball sampling is a method where initial subjects recruit additional participants as needed throughout the study.

Client Interaction

For a first therapy session with a Hispanic client, presenting the option of speaking in Spanish demonstrates cultural respect and awareness.
The most crucial first consideration when recommending a client's treatment approach is assessing the level of care needed based on the client's problems.

Assessment and Treatment

A therapist's primary step for a client experiencing daily panic attacks should be to assess the current situation, gathering essential information.
In a Task-Centered Treatment approach, treatment goals should be established cooperatively between the client and social worker.

Ethical Considerations

Allowing a patient to live independently in a motor home, given sufficient provisions for needs, respects their legal autonomy despite concerns from family and health professionals.
Ethical standards in therapy prohibit using overly broad consent forms for releasing client information, stressing the importance of specificity and confidentiality.

Diagnosis and Classification

Major depression diagnosis is inappropriate for a college student experiencing emotional distress after a breakup; the correct classification is Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood.
Identifying problems is a crucial step in Roberts' seven-stage crisis intervention model, aiding in effective crisis management.

Theoretical Orientations

Transmuting internalization in Self-Psychology, as per Heinz Kohut, involves integrating perceptions from healthy significant others to form a cohesive self.
Alfred Adler's theories upended Freud's views by emphasizing social relationships and current beliefs over past experiences and unconscious motivations.

Moral Development

A case of a client obsessively seeking social validation aligns with Lawrence Kohlberg's Conventional Level, Stage 3, indicating a focus on pleasing others through acceptable social norms.

Personality Disorders

A likely diagnosis for a client exhibiting self-destructive behaviors and unstable relationships is Borderline Personality Disorder, characterized by intense emotional instability and relationship issues.
The DSM-IV-TR categorizes diagnoses across axes, with clinical disorders placed on Axis I and global functioning on Axis V.

Disruptive Behavior Disorders

Assessment of a youth with frequent temper loss and argumentative behavior aligns with Oppositional Defiant Disorder, which includes patterns of defiance and irritability.
Encopresis is defined as involuntary stool passage inappropriate for a child over four years old, distinguishing between developmental readiness and abnormal behavior.### Child Behavior and Disorders
Inappropriate stool passage occurs in children over four, either voluntarily or involuntarily.
Term often misapplied; primarily for children and developmentally delayed adults.
Fecal incontinence is a more appropriate term for adults, especially those with psychosis.
Main cause of inappropriate stool passage is stool impaction due to constipation.
Emotional disorders like anxiety and oppositional defiant disorder can contribute to the behavior.
Incidence decreases significantly after age six.

Substance Abuse vs. Dependence

Substance abuse symptoms are generally less severe than those of dependence.
Substance abuse impacts life areas such as family and finances, while dependence can lead to physiological problems.
Narcotics are commonly associated with abuse, while dependence includes non-narcotic drugs.
Frequent use of even non-narcotic substances can lead to dependence, with evidence of withdrawal symptoms from substances like marijuana.
Common medications: Antabuse (disulfiram) for alcohol, ReVia (naltrexone) for alcohol and narcotics.

Schizophrenia & Its Diagnostics

Four classic diagnostic "A's" of schizophrenia: Affect, associations, ambivalence, autism, defined by Eugen Bleuler.
Affect refers to emotional response, associations to thought patterns, ambivalence to decision-making issues, autism to self-preoccupation.
Treatment involves various antipsychotic medications including Clorazil, Haldol, and Zyprexa.

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

A case analyzed shows behavior indicative of a manic episode, leading to a diagnosis of Bipolar I, single manic episode in full remission.
Absence of psychosis and context of manic behavior are key determining factors.

Psychoanalytic Approach in Therapy

Emphasizes the social context of clients and views behavior as stemming from unconscious drives.
Focuses on internal conflicts and anxiety, promoting conscious awareness of repressed information.

Stages in Group Development

Stages include: pre-affiliation, power and control, intimacy, differentiation, and separation.
Social workers can utilize tools like a Sociogram to facilitate group dynamics.

Communication Techniques

Partialization helps clients who are overwhelmed by breaking down concerns into manageable parts.

Single System Research Designs

Used to assess one client or system (n=1) before, during, and after an intervention.
Evaluates practitioners' practices by analyzing problem identification, operationalization, and phases of measurement.

Family Dynamics in Treatment

Parents’ communication and involvement are vital, and assessing children's responses to parental actions is essential before proceeding in treatment plans.

Indicators of Abuse

Indicators include violence toward younger children, sexualized behavior, and social isolation.
Stuttering is NOT considered a common indicator of abuse.

Gender Roles Concept

Defined as attitudes and behaviors assigned based on an individual's sex.

Client Interaction Strategies

"Why" questions can trigger defensiveness; consider alternative approaches.
Understanding that speech patterns differ due to cultural experiences is vital for effective communication.

Age Factors in Schizophrenia Onset

Initial schizophrenia symptoms most often appear between ages 17 to 45.

Client Satisfaction Evaluation

Gathering feedback at termination through structured evaluations is a useful practice to assess service quality.

Cultural Sensitivity in Child Abuse Assessment

A social worker must recognize personal cultural biases to effectively address diversity in client backgrounds.

Client's Beliefs and Focus on Problems

Respecting a client's beliefs while focusing on their presenting problems is critical in therapeutic settings.

Helping Process Phases

Key phases include exploration, assessment, and planning which lead to intervention implementation.

Modeling empathetic communication helps social workers understand and connect with their clients better.

Role of Feedback in Interviews

Feedback is essential for conveying understanding of client issues during interviews.

Empowerment in Group Settings

Encouraging group members to identify their competencies aligns with empowerment strategies in social work.

Educational Component of Supervision

Essential for refining knowledge and skills to enhance social worker performance.

Use of Personal Experience in Support Groups

Sharing a personal experience in support settings can foster a sense of shared experience among participants.

Core responsibility involves acting as a resource for clients, offering support throughout the process.

Treatment Referrals

Referring clients with drug abuse histories to specialized treatment should be prioritized.

Common Defense Mechanisms in Survivors of Abuse

Denial is frequently encountered among adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Fundamental human needs categorized in stages including physiological, safety and security, belongingness and love, and esteem.

Freud's Psychosexual Stages

Describes developmental milestones from oral, anal, phallic, latent, to genital stages, detailing conflicts and skills gained at each stage.

Erikson's Developmental Stages

Trust/mistrust and personal control during early childhood emphasize foundational emotional development and independence.

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Test your knowledge with these flashcards specifically designed for the LMSW exam preparation. Covering essential concepts like Beck's theory on depression and the importance of informed consent in therapy, this quiz will help reinforce crucial topics for future social workers.