2
Q
Choose the correct answer:
A client offers an expensive gift at termination.
- A. Refuse abruptly.
- B. Discuss its meaning and consult supervision.
- C. Accept to avoid offense.
A
B. Discuss its meaning and consult supervision.
Ethically process the gesture; supervision ensures balanced handling without boundary violation.
3
Q
Choose the correct answer:
A colleague admits altering documentation “to protect confidentiality.”
- A. Ignore unless pattern repeats.
- B. Address privately and consult supervisor.
- C. Report directly to licensing board.
A
B. Address privately and consult supervisor.
Follow NASW protocol—address first within agency hierarchy, escalating if unresolved.
4
Q
Choose the correct answer:
A social worker feels romantic attraction toward a client.
- A. Transfer the client immediately without discussion.
- B. Seek supervision and avoid acting on feelings.
- C. Share feelings with the client to maintain honesty.
A
B. Seek supervision and avoid acting on feelings.
Self-awareness and supervision prevent exploitation; disclosure to client is unethical.
5
Q
Choose the correct answer:
A bilingual social worker provides services to a client whose primary language differs slightly.
- A. Continue sessions and simplify language.
- B. Ask family to interpret.
- C. Use interpreter or refer to fluent provider.
A
C. Use interpreter or refer to fluent provider.
Competent language access preserves accuracy and confidentiality.
6
Q
Choose the correct answer:
A reporter requests confirmation that a celebrity is receiving services.
- A. Decline to confirm or deny.
- B. State “no comment.”
- C. Refer reporter to administration.
A
A. Decline to confirm or deny.
Confidentiality prohibits any disclosure, even acknowledgment of treatment.
7
Q
Choose the correct answer:
A supervisee compares a client to “my little sister.”
- A. Explore boundary issues and transference.
- B. Reassign client immediately.
- C. Ignore comment.
A
A. Explore boundary issues and transference.
Supervision addresses countertransference and reinforces professional distance.
8
Q
Choose the correct answer:
A counselor witnesses a coworker mocking a client in the breakroom, imitating the client’s speech pattern while other staff laugh.
- A. Report the behavior to the licensing board right away.
- B. Address the coworker immediately and document it.
- C. Ignore the behavior to avoid workplace tension.
A
B. Address the coworker immediately and document it.
This scenario involves a violation of professional ethics—mocking a client breaches dignity and worth of the person under the NASW Code of Ethics. The social worker should first attempt to resolve the issue directly and professionally within the agency structure, documenting the event and taking it to supervision if necessary. Direct action protects clients and models ethical integrity.
9
Q
Choose the correct answer:
A client discloses that her boyfriend has been physically abusing her 5-year-old son.
- A. Report the abuse immediately to child protective services.
- B. Discuss how reporting may impact the relationship.
- C. Explore the details further before making a decision.
A
A. Report the abuse immediately to child protective services.
Child abuse reporting laws mandate immediate reporting upon suspicion, not proof. Confidentiality does not supersede legal duty to protect a minor. Safety of the child is the top priority, and delaying verification or exploration could prolong harm.
10
Q
Choose the correct answer:
In a hospice setting, staff disagree about whether to tell a dying client the full prognosis. Some believe it will cause distress; others insist on transparency.
- A. Ask the physician to decide.
- B. Decide individually what feels right to each provider.
- C. Convene an interdisciplinary ethics meeting to discuss values and client rights.
A
C. Convene an interdisciplinary ethics meeting to discuss values and client rights.
Ethical consultation promotes collaboration and respects the principles of autonomy and self-determination. End-of-life situations often involve moral conflict, making structured ethics review the most appropriate approach. Avoiding the issue or deferring entirely to medical authority ignores the client’s right to informed choice.
11
Q
Choose the correct answer:
A hospital social worker learns that a client has made specific threats to harm an identifiable coworker once discharged.
- A. Maintain confidentiality and encourage the client to discuss anger.
- B. Discuss the threats only with family.
- C. Warn the intended victim and notify authorities per law.
A
C. Warn the intended victim and notify authorities per law.
This situation triggers the Tarasoff duty to warn/protect. When there is a credible threat to an identifiable individual, the duty to protect outweighs confidentiality. The social worker must take steps to prevent foreseeable harm by alerting both the potential victim and appropriate law enforcement or hospital risk management.
12
Q
Choose the correct answer:
A client’s adult children request that the social worker not share a terminal diagnosis with their mother, who remains cognitively intact.
- A. Respect the client’s right to full disclosure and informed consent.
- B. Honor the family’s request to maintain harmony.
- C. Ask the physician to decide how much to share.
A
A. Respect the client’s right to full disclosure and informed consent.
Autonomy is a cornerstone of ethical practice. Clients with capacity have the right to know their medical condition and make their own decisions about care. Withholding information violates informed consent and could constitute paternalism or deception.
13
Q
Choose the correct answer:
A social worker posts on social media, “Some days clients say things that break your heart,” without mentioning names or identifiers.
- A. Appropriate if the client has consented.
- B. Acceptable, because no identifying details were shared.
- C. Unethical, because even general client references breach confidentiality.
A
C. Unethical, because even general client references breach confidentiality.
Professional boundaries extend to online conduct. Any client-related disclosure, even de-identified or vague, risks breaching confidentiality or allowing identification through context. NASW guidelines emphasize maintaining client privacy in all media interactions.
14
Q
Choose the correct answer:
A client cannot afford counseling and asks to pay by providing lawn care services.
- A. Accept without discussion to maintain rapport.
- B. Accept if both parties agree and it is culturally appropriate, with documentation.
- C. Decline immediately; bartering is never appropriate.
A
B. Accept if both parties agree and it is culturally appropriate, with documentation.
NASW permits bartering when it is not exploitative, aligns with the client’s cultural norms, and is properly documented. The social worker must consider power differentials, ensure mutual benefit, and record the terms in writing to avoid ethical violations.
15
Q
Choose the correct answer:
A client frequently asks for the therapist’s advice about dating and personal relationships.
- A. Provide advice to strengthen rapport.
- B. Share the therapist’s personal opinions.
- C. Explore what the request represents and redirect to the therapeutic process.
A
C. Explore what the request represents and redirect to the therapeutic process.
Requests for personal advice often signal transference, dependency, or uncertainty about the counselor’s role. Rather than giving direct advice, the clinician explores meaning, helping the client develop internal decision-making capacity while maintaining role boundaries.
16
Q
Choose the correct answer:
A home health social worker suspects neglect of an elderly client who appears underfed and anxious, though the caregiver insists all is fine.
- A. Respect the caregiver’s explanation.
- B. Report suspected elder abuse to Adult Protective Services.
- C. Wait for concrete proof before acting.
A
B. Report suspected elder abuse to Adult Protective Services.
Social workers are mandated reporters for vulnerable adults. Reporting is required when reasonable suspicion exists, not certainty. The goal is protection and investigation, not accusation. Documentation and consultation with supervision follow ethical and legal protocol.
17
Q
Choose the correct answer:
A social worker begins to feel romantic attraction toward a client who has been in therapy for six months.
- A. Ignore the feelings and continue sessions normally.
- B. Seek supervision and explore the countertransference safely.
- C. End therapy immediately and disclose the attraction to the client.
A
B. Seek supervision and explore the countertransference safely.
Attraction to clients can occur but must be managed through self-awareness and supervision. Disclosure to the client or acting on feelings constitutes a boundary violation. Ethical management requires addressing countertransference under supervision and maintaining professional distance.
18
Q
Choose the correct answer:
A client posts a positive testimonial about the social worker on Facebook and tags their name publicly.
- A. Message the client privately to remove the post and discuss boundaries.
- B. “Like” the post to thank the client.
- C. Comment publicly to clarify confidentiality.
A
A. Message the client privately to remove the post and discuss boundaries.
Engaging publicly with a client’s post may reveal the professional relationship, violating confidentiality. The appropriate response is private communication and a therapeutic discussion of digital boundaries.
19
Q
Choose the correct answer:
During supervision, a clinician says, “My client feels like a little sister; I just want to protect her.”
- A. Explore countertransference and review professional boundaries.
- B. Ignore comment unless it affects treatment.
- C. Praise empathy and encourage closeness.
A
A. Explore countertransference and review professional boundaries.
The supervisee’s statement signals potential overidentification. Supervisors help clinicians recognize countertransference and reestablish therapeutic boundaries to prevent enmeshment or role confusion.
20
Q
Choose the correct answer:
A therapist receives an invitation to attend a client’s graduation ceremony.
- A. Decline politely and process the meaning in session.
- B. Accept to show support.
- C. Send a congratulatory message on social media.
A
A. Decline politely and process the meaning in session.
While well-intentioned, attending personal events blurs professional boundaries. Discussing the emotional meaning of the invitation preserves therapeutic integrity while respecting the client’s feelings.
21
Q
Choose the correct answer:
A client’s attorney requests a copy of records, but the client has not signed a release.
- A. Provide summary notes.
- B. Decline and explain confidentiality requirements.
- C. Send only relevant portions.
A
B. Decline and explain confidentiality requirements.
Without a written release, sharing records violates confidentiality. Ethical and legal compliance require explicit, signed authorization prior to disclosure.
22
Q
Choose the correct answer:
A client expresses anger toward a social worker who filed a mandated abuse report.
- A. Validate the client’s feelings while reaffirming legal duty.
- B. Avoid the topic in future sessions.
- C. Apologize and promise not to report again.
A
A. Validate the client’s feelings while reaffirming legal duty.
Mandated reporting may damage trust, but emotional validation fosters repair. The clinician can empathize with the client’s reaction while explaining the professional responsibility to protect.
23
Q
Choose the correct answer:
A social worker suspects that a colleague is working while impaired.
- A. Address the concern privately, then report if safety is compromised.
- B. Report directly to the licensing board without discussion.
- C. Ignore the behavior to maintain collegiality.
A
A. Address the concern privately, then report if safety is compromised.
Ethical standards require addressing impairment confidentially and giving the colleague an opportunity to seek help. If the issue endangers clients or remains unresolved, the worker must report through proper channels.
24
Q
Choose the correct answer:
A social worker considering private practice wants to advertise testimonials from satisfied clients.
- A. Acceptable with client consent.
- B. Prohibited—client testimonials risk coercion and confidentiality breach.
- C. Permissible if only initials are used.
A
B. Prohibited—client testimonials risk coercion and confidentiality breach.
Soliciting or using testimonials violates NASW advertising guidelines because of inherent power imbalances and privacy risks, even with consent.
25
Q
Choose the correct answer:
A social worker is subpoenaed to release client records in court.
- A. Refuse under all circumstances.
- B. Send the entire record to avoid legal risk.
- C. Obtain client consent or assert privilege until ordered by a judge.
A
C. Obtain client consent or assert privilege until ordered by a judge.
Subpoenas differ from court orders. The social worker must protect confidentiality by requesting consent or seeking legal advice before disclosure. Privilege belongs to the client, not the clinician.
26
# Choose the correct answer:
A client discloses she plans to overdose tonight but refuses hospitalization.
* A. Call a family member to monitor her.
* B. Initiate emergency intervention and breach confidentiality to save life.
* C. Respect her decision and offer follow-up next week.
B. Initiate emergency intervention and breach confidentiality to save life.
27
# Choose the correct answer:
A social worker begins to feel unusually protective toward a young client who reminds her of her daughter. This reaction reflects:
* A. Empathy
* B. Overidentification
* C. Countertransference
C. Countertransference
## Footnote
Countertransference refers to the clinician’s emotional reactions toward a client, often rooted in personal experiences—awareness prevents boundary erosion.
28
# Choose the correct answer:
A client brings a gift to the final session. The social worker should:
* A. Accept without discussion.
* B. Consider cultural meaning and therapeutic context before accepting or declining.
* C. Always refuse gifts to maintain boundaries.
B. Consider cultural meaning and therapeutic context before accepting or declining.
## Footnote
The NASW Code of Ethics allows contextual judgment—gift acceptance depends on cultural norms, clinical meaning, and power dynamics.
29
# Choose the correct answer:
During supervision, a social worker discusses a client’s progress using first name and identifying details. What ethical principle is most at risk?
* A. Dual relationship
* B. Confidentiality
* C. Informed consent
B. Confidentiality
## Footnote
Even within supervision, confidentiality requires removal of identifying information unless explicit client consent is obtained.
30
# Choose the correct answer:
A colleague asks to review a client’s case file for “training purposes.” The social worker should:
* A. Decline without documentation.
* B. Obtain written consent from the client before sharing information.
* C. Allow access since it’s for education.
B. Obtain written consent from the client before sharing information.
## Footnote
Releasing identifiable records for any reason—education, consultation, or publication—requires client authorization per confidentiality law and NASW Code.
31
# Choose the correct answer:
A social worker receives a subpoena requesting client records. The correct action is to:
* A. Destroy the file to protect confidentiality.
* B. Immediately comply and send full records.
* C. Assert privilege and consult legal counsel or agency policy before releasing information.
C. Assert privilege and consult legal counsel or agency policy before releasing information.
## Footnote
Subpoenas differ from court orders; the worker must protect confidentiality until legally compelled after consultation and due process.
32
# Choose the correct answer:
A social worker posts general reflections about burnout on social media. One follower recognizes a story matching her own case.
* A. The post is protected free speech.
* B. The post is ethical because no name was used.
* C. The post violates confidentiality.
C. The post violates confidentiality.
## Footnote
Even indirect identifiers or recognizable scenarios breach client privacy. Ethical digital practice requires avoiding client-related content altogether.
33
# Choose the correct answer:
A supervisor asks a social worker to share therapy recordings for “training.” The worker should:
* A. Refuse all recordings categorically.
* B. Obtain written client consent before any release.
* C. Comply since it’s an internal request.
B. Obtain written client consent before any release.
## Footnote
Client authorization is required before recordings are used for supervision, teaching, or publication.
34
# Choose the correct answer:
A social worker realizes she is attracted to a client. The most ethical action is to:
* A. Disclose attraction to the client for transparency.
* B. Ignore feelings and continue therapy.
* C. Seek supervision and evaluate transferential dynamics.
C. Seek supervision and evaluate transferential dynamics.
## Footnote
Professional consultation prevents boundary violations and ensures objective clinical judgment; disclosure to the client is inappropriate.
35
# Choose the correct answer:
A client confides intent to harm an identified individual. The social worker should:
* A. Maintain confidentiality.
* B. Warn the potential victim and notify authorities per duty-to-warn laws.
* C. Wait to see if the threat continues.
B. Warn the potential victim and notify authorities per duty-to-warn laws.
## Footnote
The Tarasoff precedent requires breaching confidentiality when credible, imminent danger to others exists.
36
# Choose the correct answer:
A client gifts the social worker an expensive watch after treatment ends.
* A. Decline graciously, explaining ethical limits on accepting valuable gifts.
* B. Accept to avoid offending the client.
* C. Donate the watch without discussion.
A. Decline graciously, explaining ethical limits on accepting valuable gifts.
## Footnote
High-value gifts can blur boundaries and imply ongoing obligation; respectful refusal with explanation models professionalism.
37
# Choose the correct answer:
A social worker wants to begin counseling a close friend who cannot afford another therapist.
* A. Refer to an unaffiliated colleague or low-fee clinic.
* B. Agree but avoid personal topics.
* C. Proceed since it’s pro bono.
A. Refer to an unaffiliated colleague or low-fee clinic.
## Footnote
Dual relationships with friends or family impair objectivity and risk harm even when intentions are altruistic.
38
# Choose the correct answer:
A clinician supervising interns discloses personal frustration during group supervision. The supervisees begin offering emotional support.
* A. Healthy self-disclosure promotes cohesion.
* B. No concern if confidentiality is maintained.
* C. Role boundaries have been blurred; seek consultation.
C. Role boundaries have been blurred; seek consultation.
## Footnote
Supervisory roles must remain hierarchical and focused on professional growth; self-disclosure that reverses roles is unethical.
39
# Choose the correct answer:
A client emails personal crises between sessions. The social worker should:
* A. Respond immediately to every message.
* B. Clarify communication boundaries and response expectations.
* C. Block email contact.
B. Clarify communication boundaries and response expectations.
## Footnote
Telecommunication boundaries protect both parties and clarify appropriate channels for emergencies.
40
# Choose the correct answer:
A social worker becomes aware that a colleague is intoxicated while providing services. The worker should:
* A. Ignore the issue to preserve collegiality.
* B. Confront the colleague in front of clients.
* C. Report to the appropriate licensing or administrative body after verifying facts.
C. Report to the appropriate licensing or administrative body after verifying facts.
## Footnote
Ethical duty includes protecting clients and addressing colleague impairment through proper reporting channels.
41
# Choose the correct answer:
A social worker receives a friend request from a current client on social media.
* A. Ignore without comment.
* B. Accept but restrict visibility.
* C. Decline and discuss professional boundaries in session.
C. Decline and discuss professional boundaries in session.
## Footnote
Online relationships create boundary confusion and confidentiality risks; addressing the request therapeutically reinforces ethical practice.
42
# Choose the correct answer:
A 14-year-old client requests counseling for depression but asks the social worker not to inform her parents.
* A. Explain limits of confidentiality and review minor-consent laws.
* B. Refuse to treat until parents are informed.
* C. Promise confidentiality to gain trust.
A. Explain limits of confidentiality and review minor-consent laws.
## Footnote
Ethical informed consent requires clarifying legal parameters for minors before treatment begins. Transparency builds trust and prevents breaches later.
43
# Choose the correct answer:
A client discloses ongoing physical abuse of her child. The social worker should:
* A. Wait for more sessions to confirm severity.
* B. Discuss options but maintain confidentiality.
* C. File a mandated report immediately.
C. File a mandated report immediately.
## Footnote
Child abuse must be reported as soon as it is suspected. Consultation or delay can endanger the child and violate law.
44
# Choose the correct answer:
A client with HIV refuses to tell sexual partners. The social worker should FIRST:
* A. Notify partners immediately.
* B. Terminate treatment.
* C. Consult agency policy and state public-health law before breaching confidentiality.
C. Consult agency policy and state public-health law before breaching confidentiality.
## Footnote
Disclosure rules vary by jurisdiction. The clinician must follow legal statutes and supervisory guidance to balance confidentiality with duty-to-protect obligations.
45
# Choose the correct answer:
During an evaluation, the client becomes angry and threatens to file a complaint. The social worker should:
* A. End treatment permanently.
* B. Argue to defend professional reputation.
* C. Remain calm, document objectively, and notify the supervisor.
C. Remain calm, document objectively, and notify the supervisor.
## Footnote
Professional response involves neutrality, accurate documentation, and supervisory consultation—ensuring accountability and protection of all parties.
46
# Choose the correct answer:
A hospital social worker receives a request from a patient’s attorney for medical records.
* A. Send records to the attorney immediately.
* B. Share verbal summaries only.
* C. Obtain written client authorization before release.
C. Obtain written client authorization before release.
## Footnote
Unless accompanied by a court order, legal representatives require the client’s explicit consent for access to confidential information.
47
# Choose the correct answer:
A client states she plans to harm herself but refuses voluntary hospitalization.
* A. Initiate involuntary commitment procedures and ensure safety.
* B. Wait until next visit to reassess.
* C. Respect autonomy and end the session.
A. Initiate involuntary commitment procedures and ensure safety.
## Footnote
When imminent self-harm is evident, the clinician must take protective action even without consent—duty to protect overrides confidentiality.
48
# Choose the correct answer:
A client from a collectivist culture requests that family members attend all sessions. The social worker should:
* A. Decline involvement of relatives.
* B. Insist on individual sessions only.
* C. Integrate the family system if clinically appropriate and with informed consent.
C. Integrate the family system if clinically appropriate and with informed consent.
## Footnote
Cultural competence respects family centrality in collectivist societies. Inclusion aligns with culturally responsive, client-centered ethics.
49
# Choose the correct answer:
A new clinician posts client-free therapy tips on TikTok using her work credentials. Which is MOST ethical?
* A. Respond publicly to follower mental-health questions.
* B. Ensure posts contain no confidential data or identifying references.
* C. Use actual case stories to illustrate points.
B. Ensure posts contain no confidential data or identifying references.
## Footnote
Professional use of social media requires avoiding any client information or the appearance of providing individualized treatment online.
50
# Choose the correct answer:
A social worker suspects an elderly client is being financially exploited by a caregiver.
* A. Report suspected elder abuse to Adult Protective Services.
* B. Wait for client permission before reporting.
* C. Confront the caregiver first.
A. Report suspected elder abuse to Adult Protective Services.
## Footnote
Elder abuse, like child abuse, triggers mandatory reporting when there is reasonable suspicion—consent is not required.
51
# Choose the correct answer:
A social worker is asked to provide services to a former intimate partner.
* A. Decline and provide referral to maintain professional boundaries.
* B. Proceed but avoid discussing the past relationship.
* C. Accept if both agree boundaries will be clear.
A. Decline and provide referral to maintain professional boundaries.
## Footnote
Dual relationships involving prior intimacy are ethically impermissible due to power imbalance and risk of exploitation.
52
# Choose the correct answer:
A social worker plans to close a private practice and must terminate multiple ongoing clients.
* A. Provide advance notice, offer referrals, and document termination plans.
* B. Refer all clients to one agency without discussion.
* C. End treatment immediately to avoid bias.
A. Provide advance notice, offer referrals, and document termination plans.
## Footnote
Ethical termination includes reasonable notice, continuity of care, and written documentation to protect client welfare.
53
# Choose the correct answer:
A client insists on continuing therapy after the social worker announces relocation to another state.
* A. Discuss options, including telehealth if legally permitted.
* B. Continue therapy without checking state laws.
* C. Terminate immediately without referral.
A. Discuss options, including telehealth if legally permitted.
## Footnote
Interstate practice depends on jurisdictional licensure. Ethical continuity includes exploring lawful telepractice or referral alternatives.
54
# Choose the correct answer:
A hospice social worker disagrees with a nurse’s decision that limits family visitation.
* A. Confront the nurse publicly.
* B. Advocate for client/family rights through interdisciplinary collaboration.
* C. Report the nurse to the licensing board immediately.
B. Advocate for client/family rights through interdisciplinary collaboration.
## Footnote
Social workers address conflicts first through respectful team communication, promoting client dignity and ethical advocacy.
55
# Choose the correct answer:
During supervision, a clinician admits to missing a mandatory abuse report two months ago.
* A. Keep the disclosure confidential as supervision content.
* B. Wait until the next review meeting.
* C. Consult agency policy and notify appropriate authorities immediately.
C. Consult agency policy and notify appropriate authorities immediately.
## Footnote
Supervisors carry vicarious liability. Failure to report is an ethical and legal breach requiring immediate corrective action.
56
# Choose the correct answer:
A client requests access to her full record, but the social worker worries it may cause distress.
* A. Provide only session summaries.
* B. Deny access automatically.
* C. Allow access unless there is compelling evidence disclosure would cause harm.
C. Allow access unless there is compelling evidence disclosure would cause harm.
## Footnote
Clients have the right to inspect records; restriction is permitted only when disclosure would likely endanger the client or others.
57
# Choose the correct answer:
A colleague frequently falsifies progress notes to meet billing quotas.
* A. Confront the colleague privately and take no further action.
* B. Ignore to avoid conflict.
* C. Report the misconduct through proper organizational or regulatory channels.
C. Report the misconduct through proper organizational or regulatory channels.
## Footnote
Ethical responsibility includes whistleblowing when clients or agencies are harmed by fraudulent or unethical behavior.
58
# Choose the correct answer:
A social worker notices that a supervisee is treating clients beyond their competence level.
* A. Criticize the supervisee in team meetings.
* B. Ignore to promote independence.
* C. Provide additional supervision, training, and adjust caseload appropriately.
C. Provide additional supervision, training, and adjust caseload appropriately.
## Footnote
Supervisors must ensure services align with competence while supporting professional growth through education and oversight.
59
# Choose the correct answer:
A client asks to record sessions “to remember advice.” The social worker should:
* A. Obtain informed consent from both parties and clarify use and storage of recordings.
* B. Allow recording without comment.
* C. Refuse all recording categorically.
A. Obtain informed consent from both parties and clarify use and storage of recordings.
## Footnote
Recording sessions is permissible only with mutual consent, clear limits on dissemination, and documentation in the record.
60
# Choose the correct answer:
A social worker learns a client is being denied reasonable accommodation at work due to disability.
* A. Contact the employer directly.
* B. Assist the client in self-advocacy and provide information on legal resources.
* C. File a lawsuit on the client’s behalf.
B. Assist the client in self-advocacy and provide information on legal resources.
## Footnote
Ethical advocacy empowers the client while respecting professional boundaries; direct confrontation or legal action exceeds the social worker’s role.
61
# Choose the correct answer:
A social worker employed by a correctional facility is instructed to withhold favorable reports to ensure longer sentences.
* A. Refuse, document the directive, and report the unethical request to proper authorities.
* B. Comply but add a disclaimer.
* C. Follow the order to preserve employment.
A. Refuse, document the directive, and report the unethical request to proper authorities.
62
# Choose the correct answer:
A social worker facilitates an online therapy group using a video platform. Which ethical issue must be addressed first?
* A. Payment method for virtual services
* B. Confidentiality and data security for participants
* C. Scheduling convenience across time zones
B. Confidentiality and data security for participants
## Footnote
Online practice requires safeguards for privacy, encryption, and informed consent regarding digital risks before group sessions begin.
63
# Choose the correct answer:
A client emails a progress update that includes identifying information about other group members.
* A. Delete the email without response
* B. Reply all with reassurance to normalize sharing
* C. Remind the client privately about group confidentiality boundaries
C. Remind the client privately about group confidentiality boundaries
## Footnote
The worker must reinforce confidentiality expectations and model discretion without public correction.
64
# Choose the correct answer:
While leading a research study, a participant becomes distressed. The social worker should:
* A. Remove the participant from all future research without follow-up
* B. Pause participation and ensure emotional support per informed consent protocol
* C. Continue data collection to avoid bias
B. Pause participation and ensure emotional support per informed consent protocol
## Footnote
Participant welfare supersedes research goals; NASW ethics prioritize nonmaleficence and voluntary participation.
65
# Choose the correct answer:
A clinician realizes notes stored on a shared office computer were unencrypted.
* A. Ignore the issue if no breach is confirmed
* B. Transfer files to a personal drive without informing the agency
* C. Report the breach and immediately strengthen data security measures
C. Report the breach and immediately strengthen data security measures
## Footnote
Transparency, remediation, and compliance with HIPAA standards are mandatory whenever data compromise is possible.
66
# Choose the correct answer:
A social worker experiences compassion fatigue and irritability with clients.
* A. Take extended leave without notice
* B. Seek supervision and implement self-care strategies
* C. Ignore symptoms to maintain professional image
B. Seek supervision and implement self-care strategies
## Footnote
Ethical competence includes recognizing impairment risk and taking proactive measures to preserve service quality.
67
# Choose the correct answer:
A client in couples therapy asks to meet alone to “share something secretly.”
* A. Agree and promise confidentiality from partner
* B. Refuse to meet clients individually under any circumstance
* C. Clarify limits of secrecy within joint treatment before accepting information
C. Clarify limits of secrecy within joint treatment before accepting information
## Footnote
Dual confidentiality complicates conjoint work; boundaries must be explained so both partners understand disclosure limits.
68
# Choose the correct answer:
A clinical director discovers staff sharing client stories in the lunchroom.
* A. Send an email warning only after multiple incidents
* B. Ignore since names were not used
* C. Address immediately through confidentiality training and supervision
C. Address immediately through confidentiality training and supervision
## Footnote
Prompt correction and education reinforce ethical culture and protect clients’ privacy rights.
69
# Choose the correct answer:
A student intern discovers her supervisor regularly back-dates clinical notes.
* A. Consult the field director or licensing authority per chain of command
* B. Confront the supervisor angrily in front of staff
* C. Do nothing since it’s not her license at risk
A. Consult the field director or licensing authority per chain of command
## Footnote
Interns share ethical accountability; reporting falsification follows duty to protect clients and uphold integrity.
70
# Choose the correct answer:
A social worker is asked by an employer to provide therapy notes to justify continued leave benefits.
* A. Deny access to all employment-related requests
* B. Provide only information authorized by the client in writing
* C. Release full records upon request
B. Provide only information authorized by the client in writing
## Footnote
Confidential information can be shared only with explicit, written consent specifying what may be disclosed.
71
# Choose the correct answer:
A supervisor notices a clinician crying after sessions and missing deadlines.
* A. Meet privately to assess support needs and offer resources for well-being
* B. Issue formal discipline immediately
* C. Ignore personal matters to respect privacy
A. Meet privately to assess support needs and offer resources for well-being
## Footnote
Supervisors have ethical responsibility to monitor competence and provide assistance when impairment is suspected.
72
# Choose the correct answer:
A court-mandated client refuses to attend therapy sessions.
* A. Discharge immediately
* B. Continue recording attendance only
* C. Document noncompliance and inform referral source
C. Document noncompliance and inform referral source
## Footnote
When services are court-ordered, reporting compliance is part of the professional’s duty; documentation protects both client and agency.
73
# Choose the correct answer:
A clinician uses a therapeutic technique learned on social media without supervision or training.
* A. Proceed and document afterward
* B. Try it if the client agrees
* C. Seek formal training or supervision before implementation
C. Seek formal training or supervision before implementation
## Footnote
Ethical competence requires sufficient training and oversight before using new interventions—protecting client safety and professional credibility.
74
# Choose the correct answer:
A social worker is invited to a client’s wedding after therapy ends.
* A. Decline politely, explaining professional boundary limits
* B. Accept if the client insists
* C. Attend briefly to support the client
A. Decline politely, explaining professional boundary limits
## Footnote
Even post-termination, dual relationships risk boundary confusion. A respectful, transparent decline models professionalism and self-awareness.
75
# Choose the correct answer:
A hospital social worker discovers that immigrant patients are routinely denied interpreter services.
* A. Advocate through formal complaint and policy review
* B. Ignore systemic issues to avoid retaliation
* C. Focus on individual client coping
A. Advocate through formal complaint and policy review
## Footnote
Ethical duty includes challenging institutional injustice. Advocacy for equitable access aligns with NASW’s call for systemic reform.
76
# Choose the correct answer:
A nonprofit director pressures staff to falsify outcome data for a funding report.
* A. Comply to secure future grants
* B. Report only after the next audit
* C. Refuse and document ethical violation through organizational channels
C. Refuse and document ethical violation through organizational channels
## Footnote
Integrity requires rejecting data manipulation. Documenting and reporting through formal structures maintains accountability and transparency.
77
# Choose the correct answer:
A social worker learns that an agency consistently turns away clients without insurance.
* A. Publicly shame the agency on social media
* B. Accept agency policy without question
* C. Bring the concern to leadership, advocating for sliding-scale access or grants
C. Bring the concern to leadership, advocating for sliding-scale access or grants
## Footnote
Ethical advocacy occurs internally first, balancing diplomacy with justice. Social media exposure violates confidentiality and professionalism.
78
# Choose the correct answer:
During a community outreach event, a resident asks for mental health advice in public.
* A. Offer diagnostic suggestions to engage
* B. Decline to answer and leave the event
* C. Provide general education and a referral privately afterward
C. Provide general education and a referral privately afterward
## Footnote
Boundaries apply even in outreach; psychoeducation is ethical, but individualized assessment must occur confidentially.
79
# Choose the correct answer:
A social worker observes that non-English-speaking clients receive fewer treatment options.
* A. Focus only on direct caseload
* B. Avoid involvement in administrative issues
* C. Raise the concern during policy meetings and recommend interpreter integration
C. Raise the concern during policy meetings and recommend interpreter integration
## Footnote
Cultural competence extends to organizational advocacy—addressing systemic inequities that affect service access.
80
# Choose the correct answer:
A social worker notes that a city’s housing policy disproportionately affects low-income seniors.
* A. Limit focus to case management
* B. Partner with advocacy groups to promote equitable policy change
* C. Advise clients to relocate
B. Partner with advocacy groups to promote equitable policy change
## Footnote
Macro-level engagement fulfills the social worker’s obligation to advance social and economic justice beyond individual service delivery.
81
# Choose the correct answer:
While drafting a community grant, a social worker realizes projected outcomes are unrealistic.
* A. Submit as written to improve approval odds
* B. Delay submission indefinitely
* C. Revise data to ensure accuracy and ethical transparency
C. Revise data to ensure accuracy and ethical transparency
## Footnote
Ethical grant writing demands accuracy; inflated claims breach honesty and harm credibility of both agency and profession.
82
# Choose the correct answer:
A program supervisor learns staff are deleting case notes to reduce liability risk.
* A. Intervene immediately, provide retraining, and report falsification
* B. Review only a sample of cases later
* C. Allow deletions if no harm is proven
A. Intervene immediately, provide retraining, and report falsification
## Footnote
Supervisors safeguard ethical documentation; falsifying or omitting data is both unethical and legally risky.
83
# Choose the correct answer:
A government-employed social worker learns her department is denying benefits to eligible veterans.
* A. Report wrongdoing to oversight agencies or ombudsperson after internal attempts
* B. Comply silently to avoid job loss
* C. Leak information anonymously to media
A. Report wrongdoing to oversight agencies or ombudsperson after internal attempts
## Footnote
Ethical whistleblowing follows formal, protected channels before external disclosure—balancing justice with professional responsibility.
84
# Choose the correct answer:
A senior administrator realizes implicit bias affects her staff evaluations.
* A. Delegate evaluations entirely
* B. Pursue bias training and restructure evaluation procedures
* C. Ignore to preserve authority
B. Pursue bias training and restructure evaluation procedures
## Footnote
Self-reflective leadership embodies ethical integrity; acknowledging bias and reforming systems demonstrates professional accountability.
85
# Choose the correct answer:
A refugee client resists eye contact during intake, which the social worker interprets as avoidance.
* A. Recognize cultural humility and adjust interpretation of nonverbal behavior.
* B. Refer immediately to a culturally matched clinician.
* C. Confront the behavior to increase engagement.
A. Recognize cultural humility and adjust interpretation of nonverbal behavior.
## Footnote
Ethical assessment requires suspending ethnocentric bias; behaviors must be understood within cultural context before forming conclusions.
86
# Choose the correct answer:
A mandated client refuses to sign informed-consent paperwork.
* A. Begin treatment since referral is court-ordered.
* B. Explain purpose, limits, and consequences, documenting refusal.
* C. Report the refusal to probation and stop sessions.
B. Explain purpose, limits, and consequences, documenting refusal.
## Footnote
Informed consent remains essential even under mandate; education and documentation protect client rights and practitioner accountability.
87
# Choose the correct answer:
A social worker notices a colleague using outdated diagnostic codes in all reports.
* A. Discuss privately and offer supervision or training support.
* B. File an anonymous complaint immediately.
* C. Ignore minor clerical errors.
A. Discuss privately and offer supervision or training support.
## Footnote
Addressing errors through collegial consultation first upholds professional respect and corrective education before escalation.
88
# Choose the correct answer:
A teen client reveals experimenting with marijuana and asks the social worker not to tell parents.
* A. Review confidentiality limits and explore harm-reduction education.
* B. Promise secrecy unconditionally.
* C. Disclose immediately to guardians.
A. Review confidentiality limits and explore harm-reduction education.
## Footnote
Developmentally appropriate confidentiality builds trust; parental disclosure occurs only when risk mandates.
89
# Choose the correct answer:
A social worker accepts a client’s social-media follow request after termination.
* A. Accept to maintain rapport.
* B. Ignore without response.
* C. Decline and explain ongoing boundary considerations.
C. Decline and explain ongoing boundary considerations.
## Footnote
Digital relationships compromise confidentiality and blur post-termination boundaries; discussion reinforces ethical modeling.
90
# Choose the correct answer:
A school social worker learns the district plans to cut counseling services for budget reasons.
* A. Post grievances on personal social media.
* B. Advocate through professional channels for continued student mental-health support.
* C. Stay silent to keep position secure.
B. Advocate through professional channels for continued student mental-health support.
## Footnote
Ethical advocacy defends client access within policy frameworks, using organized, respectful action rather than public venting.
91
# Choose the correct answer:
A client asks the social worker not to document disclosed substance use, fearing legal consequences. The information does not trigger mandatory reporting.
What should the social worker do FIRST?
* A. Consult agency legal counsel
* B. Agree to omit the information
* C. Explain documentation standards and limits
C. Explain documentation standards and limits
## Footnote
ASWB 2026 Competency: Ethical & Professional Behavior – informed consent, documentation standards
92
# Choose the correct answer:
A social worker realizes after a session that personal religious beliefs subtly influenced their response to a client seeking abortion counseling.
What is the MOST appropriate action?
* A. Refer the client immediately
* B. Reframe the issue using neutral language
* C. Engage in reflective supervision
C. Engage in reflective supervision
## Footnote
Competency: Ethical self-regulation; professional integrity
93
# Choose the correct answer:
A client offers to promote the social worker’s private practice on social media in exchange for reduced fees.
The social worker should FIRST:
* A. Seek written consent
* B. Accept if it benefits the client
* C. Decline and explain boundary concerns
C. Decline and explain boundary concerns
## Footnote
Competency: Boundaries, conflicts of interest
94
# Choose the correct answer:
During group therapy, one client discloses another member’s trauma outside of group.
The social worker’s FIRST ethical responsibility is to:
* A. Document and report the breach
* B. Remove the violating member
* C. Address confidentiality norms with the group
C. Address confidentiality norms with the group
## Footnote
Competency: Ethical practice in groups; confidentiality
95
# Choose the correct answer:
A social worker working with an undocumented client is subpoenaed for records.
What should the social worker do FIRST?
* A. Release records immediately
* B. Consult legal counsel and inform the client
* C. Refuse to comply
B. Consult legal counsel and inform the client
## Footnote
Competency: Legal/ethical decision-making
96
# Choose the correct answer:
A client expresses distrust of mental health providers due to racialized harm.
The social worker feels defensive.
What should the social worker do NEXT?
* A. Engage in reflexive self-examination
* B. Reassure neutrality
* C. Redirect to coping skills
A. Engage in reflexive self-examination
## Footnote
Competency: Cultural humility; ethical self-awareness
97
# Choose the correct answer:
A social worker accepts a culturally significant gift at termination.
What determines ethical appropriateness MOST?
* A. Client’s intent
* B. Cultural meaning and power dynamics
* C. Agency policy
B. Cultural meaning and power dynamics
## Footnote
Competency: Ethics + cultural responsiveness
98
# Choose the correct answer:
A social worker posts anonymized client stories online without consent.
This MOST directly violates:
* A. Confidentiality
* B. Dual relationship standards
* C. Scope of practice
A. Confidentiality
## Footnote
Competency: Confidentiality; digital ethics
99
# Choose the correct answer:
A social worker feels bored and disengaged with a long-term client.
What is the ethical NEXT step?
* A. Increase structure
* B. Use supervision to examine countertransference
* C. Terminate services
B. Use supervision to examine countertransference
## Footnote
Competency: Ethical self-monitoring
100
# Choose the correct answer:
A social worker is asked to testify against a former client in a civil case unrelated to treatment.
The FIRST consideration should be:
* A. Personal discomfort
* B. Legal obligations and ethical limits
* C. Loyalty to the client
B. Legal obligations and ethical limits
## Footnote
Competency: Ethical/legal integration
