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Free Sample Quiz

SWES 20 Question ASWB Social Work License Exam Sample Quiz

The questions in this quiz are examples of the types of questions that appear in SWES materials. Test yourself! Good luck!

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In treating a client in crisis, the caseworker should focus on*
- 1: the immediate presenting problem
- 2: a few specific problems in day-to-day functioning
- 3: a wide range of problems in day-to-day functioning
- 4: underlying personality problems

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*
- 1: : arrange a psychiatric consultation in order to have an anti-depressant prescribed
- 2: ascertain the prescribed medication and investigate its side-effects
- 3: proceed with a thorough psychosocial history and precipitating events
- 4: hospitalize this patient until the suicidal ideation passes

A social worker is utilizing environmental manipulation as a technique when he/she*
- 1: represents the agency at a health and welfare council meeting
- 2: uses a psychosocial framework
- 3: suggests the use of psychoactive medications
- 4: helps the client find more satisfying employment in a supportive environment

A diagnosis of Schizophreniform Disorder is generally applied to clients whose psychotic symptoms*
- 1: are related to substance abuse
- 2: are very long term
- 3: show a marked and continuing decline in functioning
- 4: are similar to those of schizophrenia and have existed more than one month, but less than six months.

A 15 year old female patient at a mental health clinic complains that for the past three weeks she has been uncharacteristically angry and irritable and has had difficulty concentrating on school work. She says that she feels “down in the dumps.” Her appetite has diminished and though weighing 120 pounds a month earlier, she has lost 9 pounds. She has difficulty sleeping and has withdrawn from after school activities that she had previously found interesting and enjoyable. During the interview she seems constantly in motion, rising several times and walking around the room before returning to her chair. It is most likely that she is suffering from*
- 1: a drug induced depression
- 2: a somatoform disorder
- 3: a depressive episode
- 4: an adolescent behavior disorder

The policy of providing Permanency Planning refers to*
- 1: children who are at risk of removal or are removed from their own homes
- 2: the development of a plan through which abused and neglected children will be assured of a stable family situation throughout childhood
- 3: a stable foster care plan for children removed from their homes
- 4: the use of adoption for children at risk

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?*
- 1: 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.
- 2: 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.
- 3: The agency is the only legally liable party and the workers are not individually responsible.
- 4: 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 lawsuit is probably frivolous and neither the worker, nor the supervisor is responsible.

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;*
- 1: plan for eventual supervised residence in a facility for the mentally disabled
- 2: establish a plan that includes vocational preparation and that will eventually lead to independent living
- 3: emphasize vocational achievement in the near term
- 4:provide coaching and tutoring to improve his reading

Kathy is 34 years old and is single. She is the office manager for a group of realtors. Kathy has always kept a tidy home, but since her mother’s death her concern with cleanliness has intensified. She no longer has time to see friends, ride her bike or go to clubs because food preparation and kitchen cleanup take her whole evening. She must wash each item of food, dishes, and cookware repeatedly and for proscribed lengths of time. Kathy understands that this is excessive and is troubled by her behavior and feelings. Kathy is likely to be suffering from*
- 1: Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
- 2: Delusional Disorder.
- 3: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
- 4:Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder.

A social worker who attempts to impose her judgments on clients is most likely to elicit clients*
- 1: acquiescence
- 2: cooperation
- 3: resistance
- 4: appreciation

A client begins treatment with a social worker and tells the social worker that he must promise never to involuntarily hospitalize him no matter how depressed or suicidal he may seem. The underlying ethical principle that determines the social worker’s response is;*
- 1: The obligation to start where the client is
- 2: The expectation that the client has good reasons to raise this issue.
- 3: The need to do what is necessary to keep a severely ill client from ending treatment.
- 4: Never to make a promise that is in conflict with legal and ethical requirements.

In a first interview, a worker observes that the client moves slowly, with stooped posture, talks slowly and in a lifeless way, lacks spontaneity, and shows little change in facial expression as they discuss the client’s problem. The worker would most likely suspectprinciple that determines the social worker’s response is;*
- 1: depression
- 2: a manic stage
- 3: anxiety
- 4: delusional thinking

In a first session at an HMO mental health clinic with a couple who want to address marital problems, the wife complains that the biggest problem in their marriage is the husband’s nasty temper. The worker’s BEST response is*
- 1: can you tell me more about this problem?
- 2: have you done anything that might provoke his anger?
- 3: at our session today he doesn't seem to have a problem with self control.
- 4: to ask the husband if he wishes to discuss his problems with his temper

A social worker at a health center is working with a young adolescent group concerned with drug and alcohol prevention. The social worker is uneasy about conflicts within the group and is fearful that they may interfere with group process. The worker’s supervisor might initially*
- 1:seek to delineate and resolve the worker's personal history with regard to conflict
- 2: communicate support, indicating that controversy and conflict may be normal and natural means for resolving issues
- 3: inquire about the concerns of the worker and reflect back the issues without resolving them
- 4: suggest that the worker not reach any conclusions and bring in any issues which might arise

Children who suffer physical, mental or emotional injuries inflicted by caretaking adults are commonly termed*
- 1: children of poverty
- 2: abused or neglected children
- 3: developmentally masochistic
- 4: victims

Under most state laws, mental health professionals must alert child welfare agencies or other lawful authorities to*
- 1: suspicion of child abuse
- 2: evidence of child sexual abuse
- 3: imminent threats to a child
- 4:child custody battles

The Johnson couple was previously in family therapy with a social worker. The couple is now divorcing and in a custody dispute, and the worker’s psychotherapy notes have been court ordered for disclosure. Which statement best reflects the worker’s legal obligation in response to the court order?*
- 1:The HIPAA Privacy Rule protects the confidentiality of psychotherapy notes and takes precedence over the court order.
- 2: The HIPAA Privacy Rule does not apply in this case as privilege is governed by state law, so psychotherapy notes may still be discoverable in litigation
- 3: The NASW Code of Ethics regarding confidentiality protects privacy of psychotherapy notes.
- 4: The worker’s obligations regarding confidentiality are no longer operative as the Johnson family is no longer his clients.

In assessing whether a client is alcohol dependent, a social worker would consider which of the following to be the most significant?*
- 1: Drinking alone on occasion.
- 2: Consuming more than one ounce of alcohol daily.
- 3: Passing out or falling asleep occasionally.
- 4: Impaired functioning at work and at home.

In reacting to the death of parents or siblings, children are more likely than adults to*
- 1: feel anger toward authority.
- 2: feel hostile toward the remaining family members.
- 3: attribute the death to something they had done or failed to do.
- 4: attribute death to something mysterious and dangerous.

The introduction into the family of the first child can create a crisis mainly because*
- 1: ouples have a romanticized notion of parenthood.
- 2: most marriages were poor before the child was born.
- 3: mothers didn't really want the baby.
- 4: couples were not well adjusted to each other.

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