Question 1

Inventories and checklists typically used in clinical assessment fall under what umbrella of test categories?

Accepted Answer

Inventories and checklists used in clinical assessment are typically designed to evaluate aspects of an individual's personality, such as traits, behaviors, and emotional states, making them fall under the category of personality tests.

Question 2

Susan was recently diagnosed with one of the Cluster A Personality Disorders.Which of the following is her diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Cluster A personality disorders are characterized as odd or eccentric disorders, which include Paranoid, Schizoid, and Schizotypal Personality Disorders. Among the options given, only Paranoid Personality Disorder falls under Cluster A.

Question 3

All of the following are likely to be measured during a neuropsychological assessment EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Neuropsychological assessments primarily focus on evaluating cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and psychomotor speed. While mood disorders like depression and anxiety can impact cognitive performance, they are not cognitive functions themselves and are typically assessed through other psychological evaluations rather than neuropsychological tests.

Question 4

Why is it crucial for mental health professionals to be skilled in Suicide Risk Assessment?

Accepted Answer

All of the reasons listed highlight the importance of suicide risk assessment skills among mental health professionals. The high prevalence and impact of suicide, the frequency of suicide attempts compared to completed suicides, and the likelihood of mental health practitioners encountering client suicide underscore the need for these skills.

Question 5

What is the primary reason the DSM-5 is used to diagnose mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

The DSM-5 is standardized for use across disciplines and across treatment settings, which makes it the primary reason it is used to diagnose mental disorders.

Question 6

The Child Behavior Checklist is comprised of several different types of scales.Which of the following is an element of the "Competence" scale?

Accepted Answer

The "Competence" scale of the Child Behavior Checklist is designed to assess areas in which a child is doing well, such as social performance, activities, and school performance. Social Performance specifically evaluates how well a child interacts with others and engages in social activities, making it a component of the "Competence" scale.

Question 7

The following is an excerpt from Tom's written MSE of a new client: "The client presented as somewhat disheveled and unkempt,but was cooperative and friendly.The client was aware of date,time,and place,and reported no hallucinations or delusions." All of the following MSE categories were noted in this excerpt EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The excerpt mentions the client's appearance, attitude towards the examiner (cooperative and friendly), awareness of date, time, and place (orientation), and absence of hallucinations or delusions (perceptual disturbances), but does not mention anything about the client's concentration and attention.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the typical use/ administration of the Mental Status Exam MSE)in clinical non-inpatient)settings?

Accepted Answer

The Mental Status Exam (MSE) is typically used when a clinician suspects cognitive issues, such as intellectual disability, to assess the client's mental functioning.

Question 9

In using the Bender-Gestalt to screen for "emotional indicators," or emotional-behavior problems in children,which of the following pairs is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In using the Bender-Gestalt to screen for...

Question 10

In clinical assessment via informal observation,according to the text,the first element of the observation process is the?

Accepted Answer

The initial handshake between the clinician and client is often considered the first element of observation in a clinical assessment, as it can provide immediate, non-verbal cues about the client's emotional state, confidence, and openness to the therapeutic process.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes "visuospatial skills?"

Accepted Answer

Visuospatial skills involve the ability to understand, analyze, and mentally manipulate objects in both two and three dimensions. This includes visualizing changes in objects' shapes and locations.

Question 12

Counselor Jessica is interested in gathering data about the efficacy of a specific group therapy program for eating disorders.As such,she co-facilitates a six-week eating disorder treatment group.Jessica is utilizing ____________ observation?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Counselor Jessica is interested in gathering data...

Question 13

Rachel presents with the following symptoms: excessive worry,constantly feeing "tense," and sleep disturbances.She further reports smoking marijuana occasionally to help her relax.Which combination of tests would probably be most appropriate as part of Rachel's initial clinical assessment?

Accepted Answer

The combination of the Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (SCL-90-R) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) is appropriate for assessing Rachel's anxiety and worry symptoms. The Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI) is suitable for evaluating her occasional marijuana use, making option A the most comprehensive choice for her initial clinical assessment.

Question 14

Jim is considered a high-suicide-risk client.He is single,suffers from depression and alcoholism,is giving away prized possessions,is lonely and isolated,and has a family history of suicide.Which of these factors is considered a warning sign for suicide?

Accepted Answer

Giving away prized possessions is a warning sign for suicide as it may indicate that the person is preparing for death.

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT one of the general classification disorders in the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Adjustment Disorders are indeed classified in the DSM-5, but they are not considered one of the broad categories or "general classification disorders." The DSM-5 organizes disorders into a range of categories such as Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Sleep-Wake Disorders, and Neurocognitive Disorders, among others, which are meant to reflect a higher level of grouping for various conditions based on common themes or characteristics. Adjustment Disorders, while recognized and diagnosed using the DSM-5, fall under a more specific category rather than being one of the overarching classifications.

Question 16

What is the primary purpose of a structured interview?

Accepted Answer

The primary purpose of a structured interview is to determine whether or not the client meets diagnostic criteria for a specific mental disorder. Structured interviews are designed with specific questions that align with diagnostic criteria, ensuring a systematic approach to diagnosis.

Question 17

The key function of clinical assessment is to _________________.

Accepted Answer

The key function of clinical assessment is to diagnose mental disorders.

Question 18

Tom is a counselor conducting an interview as part of his client Henry's,clinical assessment.Tom asks a list of standardized,predetermined questions about Henry's family background information about parents,siblings,divorces,grandparents,etc.When Henry answers "yes" to a question regarding a family history of mental disorders,counselor Tom decides to ask Henry additional questions,and they talk about this matter for around 5 minutes.What type of interview strategy is Tom most likely using?

Accepted Answer

Tom is using a semistructured interview strategy because he starts with a list of standardized, predetermined questions but also allows for flexibility to explore topics in more depth, such as when he asks additional questions about the family history of mental disorders.

Question 19

Which of the following is a Cluster B Personality Disorder in the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Histrionic Personality Disorder is classified under Cluster B personality disorders in the DSM-5, which are characterized by dramatic, overly emotional, or unpredictable thinking or behavior.

Question 20

With regard to best practices and multicultural considerations what should you,the clinician,DO as part of the clinical assessment?

Accepted Answer

Accepting a client's belief system, including the belief that distress may be due to immoral behavior in a former life, is crucial in building rapport and providing culturally sensitive care. This approach respects the client's worldview and can facilitate a more effective therapeutic relationship.

Quiz 12: Clinical Assessment