LMSW Crisis Intervention Strategies 4

Question 1

A social worker suspects a client may be experiencing a psychiatric crisis rather than a situational crisis. Which symptom would MOST suggest a psychiatric emergency requiring immediate referral?

Accepted Answer

Reporting command hallucinations instructing self-harm

Answer

Command hallucinations directing self-harm constitute a psychiatric emergency requiring immediate medical and psychiatric evaluation.

Question 2

A client who was recently assaulted refuses to report to police but is in acute distress. The social worker should FIRST:

Accepted Answer

Provide trauma-informed supportive counseling and respect the client's autonomy regarding reporting

Answer

Trauma-informed practice requires respecting client autonomy; coercing reporting can re-traumatize and damage the therapeutic relationship.

Question 3

An LMSW working in a school setting learns a student has been stockpiling medications and researching suicide methods online. Under the duty to protect, the social worker MUST:

Accepted Answer

Notify parents/guardians and school administration, and initiate a safety plan immediately

Answer

Evidence of planning and means acquisition elevates suicide risk to high, requiring immediate protective action including parental notification and safety planning.

Question 4

During crisis intervention, the technique of 'active listening' primarily serves to:

Accepted Answer

Communicate empathy, build rapport, and help the client feel heard and less alone

Answer

Active listening in crisis work is a therapeutic tool that validates the client's experience, reduces isolation, and creates a safe environment for disclosure.

Question 5

A social worker in an emergency room evaluates a client who was brought in after a suicide attempt. Which factor would INCREASE concern for future attempt risk?

Accepted Answer

The client describes the attempt as planned over several weeks with clear intent to die

Answer

Planned attempts with clear lethal intent are associated with significantly higher risk of future attempts than impulsive attempts.

LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker Practice Test

LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker Practice Test

LMSW Crisis Intervention Strategies 4