Question

A hospital social worker is part of a multidisciplinary team treating a 22-year-old diagnosed with bipolar disorder who was hospitalized after attempting to jump off a building. The client reports feeling irritated and uncomfortable with the fact that all staff know the reasons for his hospitalization. The client says that every day he has to tell the same story to a new staff member; he reports that he wanted to punch a wall yesterday because he had to repeat himself to a new psychiatrist on duty. After acknowledging the client's feelings, what should the social worker do NEXT?

A. Explain that the client's feelings will be discussed at the next team meeting.
B. Reassure the client that his anger is normal and that staff can manage it.
C. Ask clarifying questions about how the client thinks the social worker can help.
D. Provide the client with an explanation for why each person needs the information.

Answer 1

The social worker should ask clarifying questions to engage the client in problem-solving, making the client an active participant in the care process and addressing concerns of stigma and repeated storytelling.

Step-by-step explanation:

After acknowledging a client's feelings in a multidisciplinary healthcare setting, the next step for a social worker should be to empower the client and seek ways to address their concerns. In the scenario given where a 22-year-old diagnosed with bipolar disorder is frustrated with repeatedly sharing his story, the social worker should:

C. Ask clarifying questions about how the client thinks the social worker can help.

By asking clarifying questions, the social worker engages the client in a problem-solving process, which not only helps the client feel heard but also actively involves them in their own care plan. This approach is in line with relational needs strategies, ensuring the client's perspective is central to the care they receive and reducing the feelings of stigma or irritation.

Moreover, this method is more likely to yield a client-centered solution and diminishes the chances of the client feeling overwhelmed by a one-sided system where they have to continuously justify their presence to new staff members. Collaborative efforts contribute to better mental health services and reinforce the therapeutic alliance between the client and the healthcare team.