Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV) Clinical Applications Flashcards

Which WAIS-IV subtest is a supplemental measure that can substitute for Digit Span when assessing working memory?

Answer: Arithmetic

Arithmetic is a Working Memory subtest that can substitute for Digit Span under permitted conditions.

A clinician assessing an older adult wants to reduce the impact of motor slowing on the IQ estimate. Which approach is most appropriate?

Answer: Consider the General Ability Index

The GAI de-emphasizes speed-dependent subtests, giving a fairer ability estimate for those with motor slowing.

The 'testing the limits' procedure in WAIS-IV clinical practice is best used to:

Answer: Explore qualitatively why a patient failed items after standard administration ends

Testing the limits is a post-standardization, qualitative exploration and does not alter official scores.

Which subtest primarily measures fluid reasoning through pattern completion of a matrix?

Answer: Matrix Reasoning

Matrix Reasoning assesses fluid, nonverbal reasoning via visual pattern completion.

In interpreting WAIS-IV results for a bilingual patient tested in their non-dominant language, the clinician should:

Answer: Interpret verbal scores cautiously as they may underestimate ability

Verbal subtests may underrepresent true ability when testing occurs in a non-dominant language.

A significant strength on Vocabulary and Information but weakness on Matrix Reasoning and Block Design suggests:

Answer: Stronger crystallized than fluid abilities

Vocabulary and Information tap crystallized knowledge, while the reasoning subtests tap fluid ability.

The most defensible clinical practice when a Full Scale IQ falls on a diagnostic cutoff is to:

Answer: Report the confidence interval and consider measurement error

Confidence intervals account for measurement error and are essential near diagnostic thresholds.