Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Individual Practice Test

What is an important factor for a social worker to observe when assessing the safety of a client with aggressive tendencies?

1. The client’s recent family interactions

2. The client’s work history

3. The client’s physical health condition

4. Expressions of intent to cause harm

The correct answer is: Expressions of intent to cause harm

In assessing the safety of a client with aggressive tendencies, one of the most crucial factors to observe is expressions of intent to cause harm. This is essential because such expressions can be direct indicators of the client's current mental state and potential risk to themselves or others. Understanding whether a client has thoughts or plans to inflict harm is vital in making informed decisions about interventions and necessary precautions. This includes not only overt threats but also subtle cues or patterns of behavior that might suggest an increasing level of aggression or risk. Addressing the other options, while recent family interactions can provide context about the client's support system and potential triggers for aggression, they do not directly measure the immediate risk of harm. Work history and physical health condition may offer insights into the client’s life circumstances but are less directly tied to aggressive tendencies and the potential for imminent danger. Therefore, expressions of intent to cause harm serve as a more precise indicator for assessing safety in the context of aggressive behavior.