Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

After acknowledging a client's frustration about repeated questioning during hospitalization, what should the social worker do NEXT?

1. Advise the client to be more patient with staff

2. Explore how the client thinks the social worker can help with the situation

3. Discuss the client's hospitalization history

4. Encourage the client to express their feelings to the staff

The correct answer is: Explore how the client thinks the social worker can help with the situation

Exploring how the client thinks the social worker can help with the situation is a crucial next step because it centers the conversation on the client's perspective and empowers them in the process. This approach aligns with the principles of client-centered practice, which emphasizes the importance of understanding the client's experiences and collaborating with them to find solutions. By inviting the client to share their thoughts on how the social worker can assist, it not only validates their feelings but also fosters a therapeutic alliance. It allows for deeper understanding of the client's needs and preferences, making it more likely that interventions can be tailored effectively to support them during their hospitalization. In contrast, advising the client to be more patient dismisses their valid frustrations and might further alienate them. Additionally, discussing the client's hospitalization history might provide context but could divert the focus away from the immediate concern of repeated questioning, potentially making the client feel overwhelmed. Encouraging the client to express their feelings to the staff is a positive action, but it may not directly address the client's current needs or frustrations in the moment; instead, it could place an additional burden on them before adequately addressing their concerns with the social worker.