Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

In addressing a student's poor school performance after chemotherapy, what should the social worker do first?

1. Consult with the student about their feelings

2. Contact the parents to gain more information

3. Refer the student to a school counselor

4. Encourage the teacher to provide extra support

The correct answer is: Contact the parents to gain more information

The most appropriate first step for a social worker addressing a student's poor school performance after chemotherapy is to contact the parents to gain more information. This approach is critical for several reasons. First and foremost, the parents are often the most knowledgeable source regarding the student’s health, behaviors, and changes in their daily routine following treatment. Understanding the student’s home environment, medical updates, and emotional state is essential in framing a comprehensive view of the factors affecting their performance. Gathering this information can help the social worker determine if the performance issues are directly linked to health complications from chemotherapy, the emotional aftermath of the experience, or other external factors. Additionally, engaging with the parents fosters collaboration, ensuring they are part of the support network for the student. This collaboration can lead to a more tailored support plan that addresses the unique needs of the student based on the insights provided by the parents. While consulting with the student is invaluable, it may be more beneficial to understand the broader context of their situation first. Following that, referring to a school counselor or advocating for additional support from the teacher could certainly be part of the intervention, but having a clear understanding of the student’s circumstances is the most prudent first step.