Ethical Principles in Social Work: Master the Foundations of Ethical Practice

Question 1

Which action is NOT part of the ethical decision-making process?

Accepted Answer

Making a hasty judgment

Answer

Identifying the ethical issue.

Answer

Gathering relevant information.

Answer

Consulting colleagues.

Question 2

The social worker's ethical allegiance is primarily owed to:

Accepted Answer

The client.

Answer

The social work profession.

Answer

Society at large.

Answer

Themselves.

Question 3

Which ethical principle respects clients' right to make their own choices, even if the social worker does not agree?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 4

In providing feedback to a supervisee about their work with clients, a social work supervisor is ethically obligated to:

Accepted Answer

Provide feedback that is specific, timely, and tailored to the supervisee's needs.

Answer

Offer feedback that is general, vague, and unrelated to the supervisee's work.

Answer

Focus exclusively on the supervisee's strengths and avoid discussing areas for improvement.

Question 5

Which of the following is a fundamental ethical principle that guides social work practice?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining client confidentiality

Answer

Accepting gifts from clients without disclosing this to relevant others

Answer

Prioritizing personal beliefs over client needs

Answer

Engaging in dual relationships without client consent

Question 6

The process of obtaining informed consent from clients involves:

Accepted Answer

Explaining the purpose, risks, and benefits of services, and ensuring the client understands and agrees to the proposed course of action

Answer

Seeking consent only from legal guardians

Answer

Assuming consent based on client's age or vulnerability

Question 7

The principle of self-determination in social work practice emphasizes the client's:

Accepted Answer

Right to make decisions about their own life and treatment

Answer

Obligation to follow the social worker's recommendations

Answer

Need for constant supervision and control

Answer

Incapacity to make informed decisions

Question 8

When faced with an ethical dilemma, a social worker should:

Accepted Answer

Consult with colleagues, supervisors, and ethical guidelines to make an informed decision

Answer

Ignore all ethical concerns and focus on the client's preferences

Answer

Make decisions based solely on personal feelings

Question 9

Maintaining professional boundaries in social work practice includes:

Accepted Answer

Avoiding dual relationships with clients that could impair professional judgment

Answer

Using clients' personal information for personal gain

Answer

Engaging in romantic relationships with current or former clients

Answer

Sharing personal information with clients to build rapport

Question 10

When a client discloses information that could harm themselves or others, the social worker has a legal and ethical obligation to:

Accepted Answer

Break confidentiality and report the threat to the appropriate authorities

Answer

Keep the information confidential even if it poses a risk

Answer

Ignore the threat and focus on supporting the client's well-being

Question 11

Which of the following is a strategy for promoting ethical practice in social work?

Accepted Answer

Engaging in ongoing self-reflection and supervision to identify and address ethical challenges

Answer

Relying solely on ethical codes and guidelines

Answer

Ignoring the potential for ethical dilemmas

Question 12

The ethical principle of beneficence requires social workers to:

Accepted Answer

Act in the best interests of their clients, considering potential benefits and harms of interventions

Answer

Harm clients in order to achieve desired outcomes

Answer

Ignore the potential consequences of their actions

Answer

Prioritize their own needs over their clients' well-being

Question 13

Which of the following is a barrier to ethical social work practice?

Accepted Answer

Personal biases, conflicts of interest, and lack of self-awareness

Answer

Adequate resources and training

Answer

Supportive colleagues and supervisors

Answer

Strong ethical values and a clear understanding of ethical principles

Question 14

The ethical principle of justice in social work practice involves:

Accepted Answer

Ensuring fair and equitable treatment for all clients, regardless of their background or circumstances

Answer

Giving preferential treatment to certain clients based on personal preferences

Answer

Using clients' resources for personal gain

Question 15

Which of the following is a core ethical principle that guides social work practice?

Accepted Answer

Respect for individuals

Answer

Impartiality

Answer

Neutrality

Answer

Objectivity

Question 16

A client has disclosed sensitive information to a social worker. What is the social worker's ethical obligation in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Maintain confidentiality unless legally required to disclose or if the client poses a danger to themselves or others.

Answer

Release the information without the client's consent if it is deemed necessary for their well-being.

Answer

Inform the client's family or friends about the disclosed information.

Question 17

Which of the following is essential for obtaining valid informed consent from a client?

Accepted Answer

The client has the capacity to make an informed decision, understands the purpose of the intervention, and has given their voluntary agreement.

Answer

The client has signed a written consent form.

Answer

The social worker has explained all possible treatment options.

Question 18

A social worker is working with a client who has expressed suicidal thoughts. What is the social worker's ethical responsibility in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Take immediate steps to protect the client from harm, including contacting emergency services or involving the client's support system.

Answer

Respect the client's autonomy and allow them to make their own decisions.

Answer

Inform the client's family or friends about their suicidal thoughts without their consent.

Question 19

Which of the following could be a consequence of violating ethical principles in social work practice?

Accepted Answer

Loss of professional license or disciplinary action by regulatory bodies.

Answer

Increased client satisfaction

Answer

Improved job performance

Answer

Promotion to a higher position

Question 20

When faced with an ethical dilemma, what is an appropriate course of action for a social worker?

Accepted Answer

Consult with a supervisor, ethics committee, or other professionals to seek guidance and support.

Answer

Avoid discussing the dilemma with anyone.

Answer

Make a decision based solely on personal feelings or beliefs.

Answer

Flip a coin to decide the best course of action.

Question 21

Which of the following distinguishes ethical guidelines from legal requirements in social work practice?

Accepted Answer

Ethical guidelines are aspirational and provide a framework for ethical decision-making, while legal requirements are mandatory and enforceable by law.

Answer

Ethical guidelines are more specific than legal requirements.

Answer

There is no distinction between ethical guidelines and legal requirements.

Answer

Legal requirements are more flexible than ethical guidelines.

Question 22

A social worker suspects that a client is being neglected by a family member. What is the social worker's ethical obligation in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Report the suspected neglect to the appropriate authorities to protect the client's well-being.

Answer

Confront the family member directly about the suspected neglect.

Answer

Maintain confidentiality and not intervene unless the client explicitly requests help.

Question 23

Which of the following professional organizations provides ethical guidance and support to social workers in the United States?

Accepted Answer

National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

Answer

American Bar Association (ABA)

Answer

American Medical Association (AMA)

Answer

American Psychological Association (APA)

Question 24

A client has requested assistance from a social worker in accessing medical aid in dying. What is the ethical responsibility of the social worker in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Provide support and information about the client's options while respecting their decision-making process, even if the social worker personally disagrees with it.

Answer

Report the client's request to the authorities.

Answer

Convince the client to change their mind about medical aid in dying.

Question 25

A social worker learns that a client has shared confidential information about a third party. Which ethical principle requires the social worker to maintain the privacy of this information?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Self-determination

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Dual relationships

Question 26

Informed consent typically requires all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Implied agreement through non-verbal cues

Answer

Verbal agreement to participate

Answer

A clear understanding of the purpose, risks, and benefits of a proposed intervention

Answer

Signing a document outlining the terms of treatment

Question 27

Which of the following actions most clearly violates the ethical principle of self-determination?

Accepted Answer

Involuntarily committing a client to a psychiatric facility without their consent.

Answer

Encouraging a client to seek professional help for mental health concerns.

Answer

Providing crisis support resources to a client experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Question 28

Which ethical principle requires social workers to advocate for policies that promote social justice and equity?

Accepted Answer

Social justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Beneficence

Question 29

A social worker discovers that a colleague has violated ethical standards. Which of the following actions is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Report the behavior to the appropriate oversight body.

Answer

Confront the colleague directly without involving others.

Answer

Ignore the behavior to avoid potential conflict.

Question 30

A social worker receives a court order to release client information. However, the client has explicitly requested that their information remain confidential. The social worker should prioritize:

Accepted Answer

Maintaining client confidentiality and challenging the court order through appropriate legal channels.

Answer

Releasing the information without the client's consent, as mandated by the court order.

Answer

Contacting the client to obtain their consent, potentially compromising their confidentiality.

Question 31

Informed consent in social work practice entails:

Accepted Answer

Thoroughly explaining the purpose, potential risks, and benefits of an intervention to a client before obtaining their voluntary agreement.

Answer

Assuming that a client understands an intervention based on their age, education level, or other demographic characteristics.

Question 32

Which ethical responsibility should a social worker prioritize upon witnessing a colleague engaging in unethical behavior?

Accepted Answer

Reporting the unethical behavior to the appropriate authorities, such as a supervisor or licensing board.

Answer

Confronting the colleague directly without involving authorities, as it may resolve the issue more effectively.

Answer

Ignoring the behavior if it does not directly affect their clients, as it may not be their responsibility.

Question 33

A social worker discovers that a client has been charged with a misdemeanor offense. The client requests that the social worker fabricate information to avoid negative consequences. The social worker's ethical response should be to:

Accepted Answer

Maintain client confidentiality but clearly state that they cannot participate in dishonesty, as it violates ethical and legal standards.

Answer

Lie on the client's behalf to protect them from the consequences of their actions, disregarding ethical principles.

Answer

Break confidentiality and report the offense to the authorities, potentially harming the client's trust and well-being.

Question 34

When working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, an ethical guideline for social workers is:

Accepted Answer

Respecting and valuing cultural differences without imposing one's own values or beliefs on clients.

Answer

Assuming that all clients share the same cultural values and customs, disregarding individual differences.

Answer

Only working with clients from cultures that the social worker is familiar with, limiting the scope of practice.

Question 35

A social worker conducts a home visit and observes signs of potential child neglect. Their ethical duty in this situation is to:

Accepted Answer

Report the suspected neglect to the appropriate child protection agency, such as Child Protective Services, to ensure the child's safety and well-being.

Answer

Contact the parents and request that they address the child's needs, which may not be effective or timely.

Answer

Document the observation but refrain from taking further action, potentially putting the child at risk.

Question 36

An exception to the principle of maintaining client confidentiality may include:

Accepted Answer

When there is a legal requirement to disclose information, such as in cases of suspected child abuse or imminent harm to others.

Answer

Maintaining the trust and rapport between the social worker and client, even if it means withholding information.

Answer

Protecting the client from harm, as confidentiality is always paramount.

Answer

Preventing the disclosure of sensitive information that could damage the client's reputation, regardless of the circumstances.

Question 37

Self-determination in social work practice means that:

Accepted Answer

Clients have the right to make informed decisions about their lives and treatment, even if the social worker disagrees with their choices.

Answer

Social workers have the authority to make decisions that they believe are in the best interests of their clients, regardless of client preferences.

Question 38

A client shares confidential information with a social worker. What is the worker's ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

Maintain confidentiality, with exceptions for imminent harm or legal requirements.

Answer

Report the information to the authorities immediately.

Answer

Share the information with the client's family.

Question 39

Which ethical principle guides social workers to value and respect the uniqueness of their clients?

Accepted Answer

Respect for Persons

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-Maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 40

A social worker is offered a gift from a client. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Decline the gift or offer a gift of equal value to maintain professional boundaries.

Answer

Report the client for attempted bribery.

Answer

Refer the client to another social worker.

Answer

Accept the gift without hesitation.

Question 41

Which ethical principle requires social workers to provide clients with sufficient information to make informed decisions?

Accepted Answer

Informed Consent

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Respect for Persons

Answer

Self-Determination

Question 42

Which ethical principle emphasizes the social worker's responsibility to avoid causing harm to clients?

Accepted Answer

Non-Maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Question 43

A social worker is assisting a client with a history of substance use. Which ethical principle should primarily guide the worker's approach?

Accepted Answer

Respect for Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-Maleficence

Question 44

Which ethical principle compels social workers to fight for social justice and promote equity?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-Maleficence

Answer

Respect for Persons

Answer

Beneficence

Question 45

A social worker is asked to write a letter of recommendation for a client applying for a job. What is the worker's ethical responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Provide a recommendation based on their professional assessment of the client's abilities and character.

Answer

Provide a positive recommendation regardless of their assessment.

Answer

Decline to write a recommendation due to lack of sufficient knowledge.

Question 46

Which ethical principle requires social workers to obtain informed consent from clients before providing services?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Confidentiality

Question 47

Which ethical principle emphasizes the client's right to make decisions about their own lives?

Accepted Answer

Self-determination

Answer

Cultural sensitivity

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Question 48

According to the ethical principles of social work, which action would be considered unethical?

Accepted Answer

Pressuring a client to make a decision they are not comfortable with.

Answer

Providing resources and support to a client in need.

Answer

Maintaining confidentiality of client information.

Question 49

Which ethical principle requires social workers to act in a way that promotes the well-being of clients?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Self-determination

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 50

A social worker witnesses a colleague engaging in unethical conduct. According to the ethical principles of social work, which course of action should the social worker take?

Accepted Answer

Report the colleague's behavior to a supervisor or appropriate authority.

Answer

Confront the colleague directly and demand they stop the behavior.

Answer

Remain silent to avoid conflict.

Question 51

Which ethical principle requires social workers to avoid conflicts of interest in their work?

Accepted Answer

Integrity

Answer

Advocacy

Answer

Cultural sensitivity

Answer

Competence

Question 52

According to the ethical principles of social work, which concept requires social workers to treat all clients with respect and dignity?

Accepted Answer

Respect for Persons

Answer

Self-determination

Answer

Non-discrimination

Answer

Cultural sensitivity

Question 53

Which ethical principle requires social workers to continuously improve their knowledge and skills?

Accepted Answer

Competence

Answer

Integrity

Answer

Cultural sensitivity

Answer

Social justice