Clinical MCQ Flashcards
7 cards from real ASWB practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Clinical MCQ flashcards as text
A client with borderline personality disorder frequently calls the crisis line between sessions and threatens self-harm when the social worker sets limits. This pattern BEST illustrates:
Answer: Splitting and emotional dysregulation
Splitting and emotional dysregulation are hallmark features of BPD, driving intense reactions to perceived abandonment or limit-setting.
A social worker suspects a child client is being sexually abused but the child denies it. The MOST appropriate next step is to:
Answer: File a mandated report based on reasonable suspicion
Mandated reporters must report reasonable suspicion of abuse; a child's denial does not override the legal and ethical duty to report.
Which theoretical framework emphasizes that psychological distress arises from irrational beliefs rather than external events?
Answer: Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT)
REBT, developed by Albert Ellis, holds that irrational beliefs—not events themselves—are the primary cause of emotional disturbance.
A social worker working with a trauma survivor notices strong feelings of protectiveness and anger toward the client's abuser. This MOST likely represents:
Answer: Countertransference
Countertransference refers to the clinician's emotional reactions to a client, which can be triggered by the client's trauma narrative.
A client is prescribed an antidepressant and asks the social worker if it will 'fix' their depression. The BEST response is to:
Answer: Explain that medication may help manage symptoms while therapy addresses underlying issues
Integrated psychoeducation about the complementary roles of medication and therapy supports informed decision-making and collaborative care.
Which defense mechanism involves unconsciously attributing one's own unacceptable feelings to another person?
Answer: Projection
Projection involves attributing one's own unwanted thoughts or feelings onto another person to reduce internal anxiety.
A social worker in a community mental health center has a caseload that includes a client who is also the sibling of a close personal friend. The FIRST action should be to:
Answer: Consult with a supervisor to assess the dual relationship
Consulting with a supervisor is the appropriate first step when a dual relationship is identified, to assess risk and determine the best course of action.