Ethical Decision-Making in Social Care: A Comprehensive Guide for Advanced Diploma Students

Question 1

A care worker discovers that a resident has been receiving gifts from a family member in exchange for preferential treatment. Which ethical principle is MOST directly challenged in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Question 2

A young person in your care confides in you about their intention to self-harm. What is the MOST ethical course of action?

Accepted Answer

Immediately inform your supervisor and follow the organization's safeguarding policy.

Answer

Advise the young person to seek professional help.

Answer

Attempt to counsel the young person yourself.

Answer

Promise to keep the information confidential.

Question 3

You are caring for an elderly resident who has dementia. They refuse medication, but their doctor has deemed it essential for their health. What is the MOST ethical way to proceed?

Accepted Answer

Respectfully explore the resident's reasons for refusing and discuss options with the doctor and family.

Answer

Try to convince the resident that taking the medication is in their best interest.

Answer

Administer the medication regardless of the resident's wishes.

Answer

Seek advice from a senior care professional.

Question 4

A care worker is discussing a resident's personal details with a colleague in the staff room. What ethical principle is this MOST likely to violate?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Question 5

Which of the following ethical frameworks emphasizes the consequences of an action, focusing on maximizing overall well-being?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Care ethics

Question 6

A resident asks you to help them access resources for a particular hobby. You have limited knowledge of those resources. What is the MOST ethical course of action?

Accepted Answer

Inform the resident of your limitations and offer to assist them in finding the relevant information.

Answer

Promise to find the resources and research them later.

Answer

Direct the resident to a general online resource.

Answer

Suggest an alternative hobby that you are more familiar with.

Question 7

A care worker is struggling to cope with the emotional demands of their job. What is the MOST ethical course of action for them?

Accepted Answer

Seek support from a supervisor or colleague and consider professional help if needed.

Answer

Talk to the residents about their feelings.

Answer

Continue working despite the emotional strain.

Answer

Take a break from work and focus on self-care.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of ethical decision-making in social care?

Accepted Answer

Focusing solely on personal values.

Answer

Reflecting on the potential consequences.

Answer

Following professional codes of conduct.

Answer

Considering all relevant perspectives.

Question 9

You observe a colleague engaging in a practice that you believe is ethically questionable. What is the MOST ethical course of action?

Accepted Answer

Raise your concerns privately with your colleague and, if necessary, report the issue to your supervisor.

Answer

Discuss the situation with other colleagues.

Answer

Ignore the behavior and hope it stops.

Answer

Confront your colleague publicly about their behavior.