Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Practice Exam

The chosen answer highlights a crucial point about the limitations of using existing case records for practice evaluations. Utilizing these records typically does involve certain time or costs, either for accessing and reviewing the records or for training necessary to interpret them effectively. None of these costs or time considerations are eliminated simply due to the use of existing documents.

In contrast, the other options illustrate genuine limitations of relying on existing case records. Inconsistencies and gaps in information (first option) can significantly impede the evaluation process, leading to incomplete analyses. The necessity to focus on only the topics available in the records (third option) can restrict the scope of evaluation, making it difficult to assess broader or emerging issues. Additionally, the absence of client perspectives on service quality (fourth option) limits the insights that can be gathered from evaluations, as clients' subjective experiences are critical for understanding the effectiveness of services rendered. Overall, while existing records can be valuable resources, they do carry limitations that practitioners must navigate carefully.