This week, our free MFT exam practice question is going to focus on the topic of medical conditions. This is a subject that will more than likely appear on your exam since clinicians need to be on the lookout for medical conditions affecting mental health in their clients. The licensing board wants to make sure that all of us are aware of what to look for and what to do in case medical conditions are present. Regardless of how much or how little you already know about this subject, the Therapist Development Center’s exam prep, will ensure you know everything you need to correctly answer questions on this topic.
How might this topic be tested?
Whether you are taking the Law and Ethics Exam, the California Clinical Exam or the National MFT Exam, there are several ways in which medical conditions might be tested. Questions could test your knowledge regarding:
- Medical conditions that affect mental health
- Ruling out a medical condition before mental health diagnosis
- When it’s appropriate to refer to a medical doctor
Let’s see how you do on this week’s FREE MFT practice question.
Practice Question on Medical Conditions:
A therapist working with incarcerated adults is meeting with a 54-year-old male client. This client has been sentenced to fifteen years in prison for an aggravated assault charge. His file demonstrates that he has a history of engaging in illegal activities. During the first session the client appears agitated, restless, and sweaty. He does not look the therapist in the eye and offers short answers to any question he is asked. Which of the following actions should the therapist take to develop a treatment plan?
A. Refer client for medical exam to rule out organic contributors to his behaviors and gather history of client’s aggressive and illegal behaviors
B. Consult with criminal justice officials regarding client’s psychosocial history and gather history of client’s aggressive and illegal behaviors
C. Refer client for medical exam to rule out organic contributors to his behaviors and assess client for appropriateness of psychotropic medication
D. Consult with criminal justice officials regarding client’s psychosocial history and assess client for appropriateness of psychotropic medication
The correct answer is A.
- Answer A reflects proper actions to be taken in this case. Since this client presents with physical symptoms, the therapist ought to send him for a medical evaluation to rule out the presence of a medical condition. For instance, people with untreated hyperthyroidism often appear agitated, restless and sweaty. In addition, we should gather more information regarding this person’s history in order to better understand the focus of treatment e.
- Answer B can be ruled out since it does not contain the step of a medical referral.
- Answer C is correct in the referral for a medical evaluation, however, it is jumping the gun with assessing for the appropriateness of psychotropic medication. There is no indication for this in the stem. It is also not in our scope of practice to assess for medications.
- Answer D can also be ruled out since it does not contain the step of medical referral and it is out of our scope of practice for assess for medications.
To learn all about the intricacies of taking medical conditions into consideration, sign up for one of TDC’s MFT exam study guides to help you prepare for your exam today! Amanda Rowan has helped thousands of Marriage and Family Therapists pass their MFT exams-are you our next success story?
Comments
I chose A first because it does not contain the medication part which is not in out scope and because it does not mention ruling out medical concerns
I chose A because it addresses the need for medical evaluation. I discarded C because it is outside the scope of practice to assess for psychotropic medication.