LMSW Crisis Intervention Strategies 5

Question 1

A social worker learns through a third party that a client who recently terminated treatment has made a suicide plan. The MOST appropriate action is:

Accepted Answer

Attempt to contact the former client and, if unsuccessful, notify emergency services or a designated contact

Answer

Duty to protect obligations can extend beyond active treatment when the worker has credible knowledge of imminent risk to a former client.

Question 2

A client in crisis repeatedly uses the phrase 'There's no point anymore.' The MOST clinically appropriate response is:

Accepted Answer

Gently explore the meaning behind the phrase and directly inquire about suicidal thoughts

Answer

Verbal cues expressing hopelessness should be directly and compassionately explored, including asking about suicidal ideation, rather than deflected.

Question 3

A social worker practicing in a rural community faces a crisis situation but has no psychiatric hospital within 100 miles. The MOST appropriate ethical and practical response is to:

Accepted Answer

Use telehealth crisis services, mobile crisis teams, and coordinate with available local supports while arranging transport if necessary

Answer

Rural crisis intervention requires creative use of telehealth, mobile teams, and local networks to bridge resource gaps while maintaining client safety.

Question 4

Which statement BEST reflects the concept of 'vicarious trauma' as it relates to social workers in crisis settings?

Accepted Answer

It is a transformation in the worker's worldview resulting from cumulative exposure to clients' traumatic material

Answer

Vicarious trauma describes the cognitive and emotional shifts in the helper's inner world caused by repeated indirect exposure to clients' traumatic experiences.

Question 5

During a crisis intervention home visit, a social worker notices signs that the client may be under the influence of substances. The BEST approach is to:

Accepted Answer

Assess the client's level of intoxication, prioritize safety, and adapt the intervention accordingly

Answer

Substance intoxication affects capacity and risk but does not eliminate the duty to assess safety; intervention should be adapted to the client's current state.

LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker Practice Test

LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker Practice Test

LMSW Crisis Intervention Strategies 5