Deck 4: Exploring Presenting Problems, Readiness for Change, and Risks and Resources

Question 1

Scaling questions are useful for assessing:

A) When a problem began
B) How long a problem has been occurring
C) The severity or intensity of a problem
D) Client coping strategies

Answer 1

The severity or intensity of a problem

Question 2

The first question of an unstructured interview is typically

A) Standardized
B) A broad open-ended question
C) The only question that is scored
D) "Why have you come here?"

Answer 2

A broad open-ended question

Question 3

A Comprehensive assessment of a client's presenting problems will address which of the following domains?

A) Problem onset, duration, and frequency
B) Problem frequency, beginning, and ending
C) Problem intensity, severity, and rate
D) Interpersonal relationships in school, work, and community

Answer 3

Problem onset, duration, and frequency

Question 4

In the DSM-IV-TR, psychosocial stressors that may impact presenting problems include which of the following?

A) Traumatic events
B) Environmental changes
C) Family changes
D) All of the above

Question 5

An interviewer is likely to inquire about a client's previous attempts to solve the presenting problem(s) because:

A) The interviewer will need to create a treatment plan
B) That information is used to assess how many counseling sessions a client will need
C) That information is used to assess a client's problem solving skills and level of insight
D) That information is used to assess client motivation and ego functioning

Question 6

A client who stated "I know my cutting is a problem but it's the only thing that helps me to feel better," is probably in which stage of change?

A) Action
B) Contemplation
C) Precontemplation
D) Preparation

Question 7

According to the stages of change model, clients in the __________ stage are least ready to change:

A) Preparation
B) Termination
C) Precontemplation
D) Action

Question 8

According to the stages of change model the contemplation stage is conceptualized as:

A) The stage where an individual has the greatest level of insight
B) The stage where an individual is most ready to change a problem or habit
C) The point where an individual has begun taking concrete steps to solve a problem
D) The stage when an individual accepts having a problem but is ambivalent about changing it.

Question 9

When an individual is in the Precontemplation stage of change interviewers should

A) Explore what would need to change for the referring person or a significant other to no longer be concerned about the interviewee
B) Gather as much family and work history as possible
C) Confront the interviewee about his or her lack of insight about the problem
D) Use more closed then open-ended questions

Question 10

An initial interview will assess for risk and resource factors. A resource can be defined as

A) Adequate insurance coverage and ability to pay for counseling
B) An intrapersonal or interpersonal condition that promotes problem resolution
C) A cognitive strategy that facilitates problem resolution
D) A world-view that supports spiritual practices

Question 11

All of the following are considered interpersonal risk factors except for:

A) Inadequate sleep and diet
B) Social isolation or limited contact with friends
C) Experiencing a trauma
D) Significant conflict with friends and family members

Question 12

When gathering information about potential risk factors and resources it is beneficial for an interviewer to:

A) Assess resources first, then explore risk factors
B) Assess family history at the end of the interview
C) Be transparent about making a topic shift
D) Be non-disclosing about one's intention for assessing risks and resources

Question 13

Questions about a client's faith and spirituality are

A) Ethically inappropriate and culturally insensitive
B) Useful to ask in order to assess the degree to which faith and spirituality are protective factors
C) Ethically appropriate but are considered to be culturally insensitive and irrelevant to the assessment process
D) Useful to ask when the client and counselor are of different religious affiliations

Question 14

A genogram is an assessment technique for:

A) Establishing a history of substance usage
B) Mapping a client's peer and work environments
C) Diagramming family history and the quality of family relationships
D) Mapping a client's sexual history

Question 15

Which of the following would be a sign of an unhealthy lifestyle in an adult

A) Sleeping 8 hours per night
B) Exercising 150 minutes per week
C) Taking prescription medication as prescribed
D) Sleeping less than 6 hours per night

Question 16

A client who reports significant weight loss within a two week period should be further assessed for:

A) A medical problem
B) Depression
C) An eating disorder
D) All of the above

Question 17

What is an example of a scaling question?

Question 18

What are examples of interview questions designed to assess the quality of interpersonal relationships?

Question 19

What is meant by the concept of risks and resources?

Question 20

What is the difference between the precontemplation and contemplation stages of change?

Question 21

How would you modify an intake interview for an individual who appears to be in the precontemplation stage of change?