California Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) Law and Ethics exam

What should a social worker do if a client threatens revenge against a teacher?

1. Notify the police and teacher of the threat

2. Create a therapeutic environment for open discussion

3. Ask direct questions about the revenge plan

4. Educate the client about reporting child abuse

The correct answer is: Ask direct questions about the revenge plan

The most appropriate action for a social worker in this scenario is to ask direct questions about the revenge plan. This approach allows the social worker to gather more information regarding the client's intentions, the severity of the threat, and any potential risk factors involved. By engaging the client in a conversation about their feelings and thoughts, the social worker can assess the seriousness of the threat and facilitate a deeper understanding of the underlying issues driving such feelings. This method also reinforces the therapeutic relationship, demonstrating to the client that their feelings are being taken seriously and that the social worker is there to support them. Through open dialogue, the social worker can help the client explore alternative ways to express their feelings or deal with their grievances, which is a crucial aspect of conflict resolution and mental health support. While the other options may seem reasonable, they do not provide the same level of engagement with the client, which is vital in a therapeutic context. Notifying the police and teacher prematurely might escalate the situation and could potentially damage the therapeutic relationship. Creating a therapeutic environment is essential, but asking direct questions is a tactical step toward understanding and resolving the issue at hand. Educating the client about reporting child abuse is not relevant in the context of a revenge threat against a teacher, as it div