Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

What is the most appropriate initial action for a social worker when a client expresses significant distress after a heart attack?

1. Encourage the client to resume hobbies

2. Discuss lifestyle changes

3. Refer the client for medication evaluation

4. Suggest counseling about marital issues

The correct answer is: Refer the client for medication evaluation

The most appropriate initial action when a client expresses significant distress after a heart attack is to refer the client for medication evaluation. Following such a traumatic health event, individuals may experience overwhelming emotions and stress that could benefit from immediate medical consideration. In situations where clients are in significant distress, mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression, can manifest and may require pharmacological intervention as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. A medication evaluation can help determine if there are mental health components that need addressing, particularly if the distress is severe and impairing the client’s ability to cope or function. Encouraging the client to resume hobbies, discussing lifestyle changes, or suggesting counseling about marital issues may be beneficial actions, but they may be premature in the face of significant emotional distress. Clients may need immediate support to manage their mental health effectively before tackling other aspects of recovery or lifestyle changes. Thus, prioritizing a medication evaluation allows for a timely response to the client's emotional and psychological needs.