Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Individual Practice Test

Which of the following is a crucial factor when assessing a young client with an eating disorder?

1. Assessing her social network

2. Determining her academic performance

3. Evaluating her previous therapy experiences

4. Ensuring she receives appropriate medical care

The correct answer is: Ensuring she receives appropriate medical care

Ensuring a young client with an eating disorder receives appropriate medical care is critical because eating disorders can have severe physical health implications, including malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, and cardiac complications. Early medical intervention can address these health risks and help stabilize the client's condition, which is essential for any further psychological or therapeutic work to be effective. Medical care also involves monitoring the client’s physical health and nutritional status, which can directly impact their mental health and recovery journey. Addressing these medical needs creates a foundation for more therapeutic approaches to be applied, ultimately improving outcomes for the client as a whole. While the other options, such as assessing social networks or previous therapy experiences, are important in the broader context of care, they become secondary if the individual’s physical health is compromised.