Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

What should a social worker prioritize when a teenager with anorexia nervosa is referred for treatment?

1. Schedule a case conference with the professionals involved

2. Refer the teenager to a nutritionist

3. Provide the family with educational materials

4. Encourage the family to seek hospitalization immediately

The correct answer is: Schedule a case conference with the professionals involved

The priority for a social worker when a teenager with anorexia nervosa is referred for treatment lies in the coordination and collaboration among the various professionals involved in the teenager's care. Scheduling a case conference allows for the sharing of crucial information and insights among healthcare providers, such as medical professionals, therapists, and nutritionists. This multi-disciplinary approach ensures that the treatment plan is comprehensive and takes into consideration all aspects of the teenager's health, emotional support, and nutritional needs. By bringing together different professionals, the social worker can facilitate discussions that might identify specific interventions needed, share treatment goals, and address any immediate concerns regarding the teenager's physical and mental health. This collaborative effort also helps to create a unified approach to treatment, which is essential in cases of eating disorders where the risk of medical complications is significant, thus providing a solid foundation for ongoing care and support. The other options, while potentially important, do not take priority at this stage. Referring to a nutritionist is certainly a critical aspect of treatment planning but is best done with the collaborative input from the entire treatment team. Providing educational materials can be beneficial, but this knowledge should align with the treatment plan developed during the case conference. Encouraging hospitalization might be necessary in some cases, but this decision