Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

In a medical emergency, what should a social worker do first when assisting a grieving mother who refuses to let go of her deceased baby?

1. Encourage her to accept reality

2. Call for psychiatric assistance

3. Allow the woman to let go of the baby in her own time

4. Offer her a support group

The correct answer is: Allow the woman to let go of the baby in her own time

In a medical emergency involving a grieving mother who is struggling to let go of her deceased baby, it is crucial to prioritize her emotional state and the immediacy of the situation. Allowing the woman to let go of the baby in her own time acknowledges her grief and provides her with the space to process her loss. This approach respects her emotional needs and recognizes that each individual’s grieving process is unique. In moments of profound grief, especially in the context of losing a child, immediate pressures and interventions can often feel overwhelming or insensitive. By providing the mother the time she needs, the social worker demonstrates empathy and compassion, creating a supportive environment where she may feel safer to express her feelings and navigate her grief. This approach fosters a connection and can ultimately help her toward healing in her own time. Other options, while potentially beneficial in different contexts, might not be suitable as the first response in this emotionally charged situation. Encouraging acceptance or offering a support group might be premature and could unintentionally minimize her feelings. Calling for psychiatric assistance could escalate the situation or imply that her response to grief is abnormal, which can further alienate her during such a vulnerable moment. The primary focus should always be on providing emotional support and recognizing her need for personal agency in