Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Individual Practice Test

A client has repeated hospitalizations for vague somatic complaints without medical findings. What is the most effective approach for the social worker to take?

1. Encourage psychotropic medication adherence

2. Help the patient identify reality problems and improve living conditions

3. Suggest alternative medicine treatment options

4. Reinforce the need for continued hospitalization

The correct answer is: Help the patient identify reality problems and improve living conditions

In cases where a client presents with repeated hospitalizations for vague somatic complaints without medical findings, the most effective approach for the social worker is to help the patient identify reality problems and improve living conditions. This approach focuses on addressing underlying psychosocial factors that may contribute to the client's somatic complaints. By facilitating the client’s understanding of their situation and exploring any stressors or challenges in their living conditions, the social worker can foster a therapeutic environment where the client feels supported and understood. This method encourages a holistic view of the client’s well-being, acknowledging that mental health, social circumstances, and overall quality of life play significant roles in how individuals express distress. Additionally, by improving living conditions and addressing reality-based problems, the social worker helps the client develop coping strategies, resources, and skills that can reduce reliance on hospitalizations by managing symptoms in a more grounded and constructive way. Other approaches, such as medication adherence or alternative medicine options, may not sufficiently address the psychosocial dimensions of the client's experience. Similarly, reinforcing the need for continued hospitalization might overlook the potential benefits of empowering the client to engage more fully with their environment and overall health.