LMSW Practice Test

A patient who was readmitted to a psychiatric hospital complains that his doctors rarely understood him or responded to his feelings. The social worker should

1. acknowledge that this is a common problem to minimize his hostility

2. explore the client's reasons for this feeling and help the client discuss them with his doctor

3. explore the client's reasons for this feeling and offer to discuss them immediately with the doctor

4. tell the doctor about the patient's complaint so that the doctor can handle this with the patient directly

The correct answer is: explore the client's reasons for this feeling and help the client discuss them with his doctor

The choice to explore the client's reasons for feeling misunderstood and to help the client discuss these feelings with the doctor demonstrates a person-centered approach. This involves actively listening to the patient and validating their experiences, which fosters trust and an open therapeutic relationship. By exploring the reasons behind the patient's complaints, the social worker can help the patient articulate their thoughts and feelings more effectively, facilitating better communication between the patient and their care team. Additionally, this choice encourages the patient to take an active role in their treatment process, promoting ownership of their healthcare experience. It recognizes the importance of the therapeutic alliance and empowers the patient to express their needs and concerns. This approach can lead to improved interpersonal dynamics among the patient, social worker, and the medical team, ultimately benefiting the patient's overall care and recovery.