Ethics in Social Work: Principles, Values, and Dilemmas

Question 1

Which ethical principle involves keeping client information private?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Respect

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 2

What process entails obtaining permission from a client before providing services?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Verbal consent

Answer

Implied consent

Answer

Written consent

Question 3

Which value advocates for equitable distribution of opportunities and resources?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Diversity

Answer

Inclusion

Answer

Equality

Question 4

What is the primary goal of the non-maleficence principle?

Accepted Answer

Preventing harm to clients

Answer

Promoting client autonomy

Answer

Protecting client confidentiality

Answer

Providing culturally sensitive services

Question 5

Which ethical principle requires social workers to maintain their competence in practice?

Accepted Answer

Competence

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 6

How does cultural sensitivity impact ethical decision-making in social work?

Accepted Answer

Cultural sensitivity allows social workers to understand and respect diverse cultural values and beliefs, which can guide ethical decision-making.

Answer

Cultural sensitivity requires social workers to prioritize cultural values over their professional ethics.

Answer

Cultural sensitivity is only important when working with clients from cultures different than the social worker's own.

Answer

Cultural sensitivity has no influence on ethical decision-making in social work.

Question 7

Which ethical principle compels social workers to uphold clients' autonomy and respect their decisions?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Social justice

Question 8

In what way does the principle of social justice influence social work practice?

Accepted Answer

It guides social workers to advocate for marginalized populations and promote equity.

Answer

It necessitates that social workers offer services to everyone, regardless of their background.

Answer

It prohibits social workers from engaging in political activities.

Answer

It guarantees that social workers receive fair compensation for their services.

Question 9

Which professional organization is dedicated to promoting ethical social work practices?

Accepted Answer

National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

Answer

American Psychological Association (APA)

Answer

American Medical Association (AMA)

Answer

National Education Association (NEA)

Question 10

In social work practice, which ethical principle should be prioritized when utilizing technology?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Skill

Answer

Effectiveness

Answer

Cost

Question 11

Which of the following ethical principles obligates social workers to maintain the privacy of client information?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 12

Which value underpins social workers' commitment to addressing inequality and championing fairness?

Accepted Answer

Social Justice

Answer

Compassion

Answer

Diversity

Answer

Integrity

Question 13

To initiate the resolution of an ethical dilemma in social work practice, the first step is to:

Accepted Answer

Identify the relevant ethical principles

Answer

Consult with a supervisor

Answer

Make a final decision

Question 14

Identify the ethical principle that emphasizes the right of research participants to make informed decisions about their participation.

Accepted Answer

Respect for Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 15

When working with clients who have limited capacity to consent, which of the following is the most appropriate course of action for a social worker to take?

Accepted Answer

Document the client's limited capacity to consent and proceed with the intervention only if it is considered essential and time-sensitive.

Answer

Obtain consent from the client's legal guardian or family member.

Answer

Proceed with the intervention without obtaining consent, as long as it is believed to be in the client's best interests.

Question 16

Which of the following is not considered a core ethical principle of social work practice?

Accepted Answer

Efficiency

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Social justice

Answer

Self-determination

Question 17

In obtaining informed consent from a client, what is the primary responsibility of the social worker?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring that the client fully comprehends the nature and purpose of the proposed intervention

Answer

Verifying that the client is of legal age

Answer

Documenting the client's consent in writing

Question 18

Which of the following is a potential ethical challenge faced by social workers working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds?

Accepted Answer

Balancing cultural sensitivity with professional obligations

Answer

Overcoming language barriers

Answer

Addressing clients' lack of transportation

Question 19

When faced with an ethical dilemma, social workers are encouraged to utilize:

Accepted Answer

A systematic ethical decision-making model that considers relevant ethical principles and potential consequences

Answer

A coin toss to make the decision

Answer

The advice of their colleagues without question

Answer

Their personal intuition and feelings

Question 20

Which of the following is a potential benefit of social workers adhering to ethical guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining public trust and confidence in the profession

Answer

Avoiding legal liability in all cases

Answer

Advancing their careers more quickly

Answer

Ensuring job security indefinitely

Question 21

The concept of social justice in social work practice primarily refers to:

Accepted Answer

Challenging systemic inequalities and advocating for equity and fairness

Answer

Advocating for specific policy changes

Answer

Providing direct services to individuals in need

Question 22

When facing an ethical dilemma, social workers are encouraged to seek consultation from:

Accepted Answer

Supervisors, colleagues, or external ethics consultants

Answer

Their family members or close friends

Answer

Their clients themselves

Question 23

When obtaining informed consent from clients, it is essential to ensure that:

Accepted Answer

Clients fully comprehend the nature, purpose, benefits, and risks of the proposed intervention

Answer

Clients are coerced into agreeing, as it is in their best interest

Answer

Clients are provided with minimal information to avoid overwhelming them

Question 24

A key aspect of social justice in social work involves:

Accepted Answer

Challenging systemic barriers and promoting equity for marginalized populations

Answer

Treating all clients equally, regardless of their circumstances

Answer

Prioritizing personal gain over social welfare

Question 25

When faced with an ethical dilemma, social workers should primarily consider:

Accepted Answer

Upholding the well-being and safety of clients

Answer

Seeking guidance solely from supervisors, as they have more experience

Answer

Complying with organizational policies, even if they conflict with client needs

Answer

Avoiding any potential conflicts or confrontations

Question 26

Confidentiality in social work practice primarily entails:

Accepted Answer

Preserving the privacy and protecting the sensitive information of clients

Answer

Sharing client information freely with other professionals without their consent

Answer

Involving clients in all decisions regarding the disclosure of their information

Question 27

In situations where clients express intent to harm themselves or others, social workers have a duty to:

Accepted Answer

Breach confidentiality and seek immediate professional assistance to ensure safety

Answer

Attempt to persuade the client out of the situation without involving others

Answer

Issue a warning to the client without taking further action

Answer

Respect client autonomy and refrain from intervening

Question 28

A crucial element of ethical social work supervision encompasses:

Accepted Answer

Providing guidance and support on ethical decision-making and practice

Answer

Exclusively offering emotional support and validation

Answer

Solely evaluating the supervisee's technical skills and knowledge

Question 29

Social workers hold a responsibility to advocate for clients experiencing:

Accepted Answer

Discrimination, oppression, and social injustice

Answer

Only those clients who can afford to pay for services

Answer

Only those clients who are deemed deserving or worthy

Question 30

When working with diverse client populations, social workers must be cognizant of:

Accepted Answer

Cultural norms, values, and beliefs that may shape ethical considerations

Answer

Only the client's cultural values and beliefs, ignoring their own

Answer

Only their own cultural values and beliefs, disregarding the client's

Question 31

When a client refuses to provide informed consent for treatment, which of the following actions is most appropriate for the social worker to take?

Accepted Answer

Respect the client's decision while exploring alternative options and providing necessary information

Answer

Attempt to persuade the client to consent

Answer

Disregard the client's wishes and proceed with treatment

Question 32

Which of the following best describes the role of a social justice-oriented social worker?

Accepted Answer

Advocating for the rights of vulnerable populations and promoting equitable access to resources

Answer

Ignoring systemic factors that contribute to social injustice

Answer

Focusing solely on addressing individual client needs

Question 33

When faced with an ethical dilemma, which of the following is the most appropriate approach for a social worker to follow?

Accepted Answer

Engaging in ethical decision-making by considering relevant ethical principles, values, laws, and potential consequences

Answer

Relying solely on personal feelings and intuition

Answer

Always following the instructions of superiors

Question 34

Which of the following is considered an inappropriate professional boundary for social workers with clients?

Accepted Answer

Engaging in romantic or sexual relationships

Answer

Maintaining appropriate physical distance

Answer

Respecting clients' confidentiality

Answer

Providing services within one's scope of practice

Question 35

The principle of self-determination implies that social workers should:

Accepted Answer

Support clients' rights to make informed decisions about their lives

Answer

Make all decisions on behalf of clients

Answer

Control clients' behavior to ensure their safety

Question 36

Which of the following is a legal obligation for social workers?

Accepted Answer

Reporting suspected cases of child abuse

Answer

Advocating for clients' rights without considering legal implications

Answer

Providing culturally sensitive services regardless of legal requirements

Question 37

If a social worker discovers that a colleague has violated ethical standards, which of the following actions is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Reporting the violation to the relevant authorities

Answer

Confronting the colleague directly without involving others

Answer

Ignoring the violation to avoid conflict

Question 38

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

Accepted Answer

Dignity and worth of all individuals

Answer

Maximizing financial profit

Answer

Seeking political power

Question 39

When working with clients from diverse backgrounds, which of the following is crucial for social workers to consider?

Accepted Answer

Cultural differences, biases, and power dynamics that may impact the helping process

Answer

Only the social worker's own cultural background

Answer

The client's physical appearance

Answer

The client's socioeconomic status as the primary factor

Question 40

**Ethical Principle & Self-Determination**: Which ethical principle requires social workers to尊重 the autonomy and self-determination of clients?

Accepted Answer

Self-determination

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Question 41

**Informed Consent and Research**: When is obtaining informed consent particularly required for social workers?

Accepted Answer

Engaging clients in research

Answer

Making referrals to other professionals

Answer

Documenting client sessions

Answer

Providing information about services

Question 42

**Dual Relationships and Professional Conduct**: Which ethical principle prohibits social workers from engaging in any form of sexual contact with clients?

Accepted Answer

Dual relationships

Answer

Competence

Answer

Confidentiality

Question 43

**Social Justice in Practice**: How does the ethical principle of social justice manifest in social work?

Accepted Answer

Advocating for equitable access to resources

Answer

Maintaining client confidentiality

Answer

Providing culturally competent services

Answer

Documenting client encounters accurately

Question 44

**Ethical Decision-Making Process**: Which of the following is NOT a crucial step in the ethical decision-making process for social workers?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring the ethical implications

Answer

Identifying the ethical dilemma

Answer

Considering the values and principles involved

Answer

Consulting with colleagues or supervisors

Question 45

**Confidentiality and Client Trust**: Why is confidentiality crucial in social work practice?

Accepted Answer

Protects client privacy and trust

Answer

Promotes collaboration with other professionals

Answer

Reduces liability for social workers

Answer

Ensures accuracy in documentation

Question 46

**Maintaining Professional Competence**: Which ethical principle obligates social workers to continuously improve their knowledge and skills?

Accepted Answer

Continuing education

Answer

Supervision

Answer

Documentation

Answer

Self-care

Question 47

**Reporting Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect**: To whom do social workers have an ethical duty to report suspected child abuse or neglect?

Accepted Answer

Child protective services

Answer

The client's therapist

Answer

The client's parents

Question 48

**Balancing Competing Obligations**: Which ethical principle guides social workers in navigating the tensions between their responsibilities to clients and society?

Accepted Answer

Balancing competing obligations

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Self-determination

Question 49

What is the primary reason for obtaining informed consent from clients?

Accepted Answer

To ensure clients understand their rights, potential risks, and benefits of provided services.

Answer

To document that clients have voluntarily consented to receive services.

Answer

To protect social workers from legal liability.

Question 50

Maintaining confidentiality in social work is essential because it:

Accepted Answer

Protects clients' privacy and builds trust.

Answer

Prevents social workers from being subpoenaed.

Answer

Ensures clients will share sensitive information.

Answer

Demonstrates adherence to ethical guidelines.

Question 51

Which action by a social worker would breach confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Disclosing a client's diagnosis to colleagues without their consent.

Answer

Referring a client to a community partner with their permission.

Answer

Documenting client information in an encrypted electronic health record.

Question 52

What is the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics primarily responsible for?

Accepted Answer

Providing ethical guidelines for social work practice.

Answer

Advocating for social justice and policy changes.

Answer

Enforcing disciplinary actions against social workers who violate ethical standards.

Question 53

How can social workers foster ethical conduct in the workplace?

Accepted Answer

By exemplifying ethical behavior, speaking out against unethical actions, and advocating for policies that uphold ethical practice.

Answer

By joining a union to protect their rights.