LMSW Practice Test

Jane, a 14-year-old girl diagnosed with diabetes, reports experimenting with drugs. What should the social worker do?

1. Discuss Jane's drug use with her parents and ask them to discuss the dangers with her.

2. Minimize Jane's concerns, but suggest she not try any more drugs.

3. Suggest that Jane get more information about the drugs she has taken.

4. Support Jane's apprehension, suggest a referral for drug education and a discussion with her physician.

The correct answer is: Discuss Jane's drug use with her parents and ask them to discuss the dangers with her.

The most appropriate response for the social worker in this scenario is to support Jane's apprehension, suggest a referral for drug education, and encourage a discussion with her physician. This approach validates her concerns and ensures that she receives the proper support and guidance regarding her experimentation with drugs, especially considering her health condition as a diabetic. Addressing Jane's drug use without minimizing her feelings allows for better communication and trust, which is crucial in such sensitive situations. Furthermore, collaborating with healthcare professionals, like her physician, is vital as they can offer medical advice tailored to her specific health needs and risks associated with drug use, especially in the context of her diabetes. The other options do not prioritize Jane’s immediate emotional and physical health needs nor provide the comprehensive support required to address both her drug experimentation and her diabetic condition. For example, discussing her drug use with her parents may breach her confidentiality and could lead to a negative reaction, which might not be conducive to her wellbeing. Minimizing her concerns could lead to feelings of invalidation and discourage her from seeking help. Simply suggesting she get more information about the drugs lacks a supportive framework and does not engage with her emotional state or need for education about the risks involved.