Ethics & Confidentiality in Care Services Flashcards

A client in your care posts on social media tagging you in a post about their health. What is your best course of action?

Answer: Discuss the privacy implications with the client and notify your supervisor

Social media posts involving clients and their health create confidentiality risks; the aide should address this with the client and escalate to the supervisor.

What does 'veracity' mean as an ethical principle in personal care?

Answer: Being honest and truthful with clients about their care

Veracity means telling the truth; in care settings, it requires being honest with clients about their condition, care plans, and any changes that affect them.

A client refuses to take their prescribed medication. What should a personal care aide do?

Answer: Respect the refusal, document it, and notify your supervisor immediately

Administering medication without consent is assault; the aide must document the refusal and report it to the supervisor so the care team can address it appropriately.

Which statement about workplace gossip best reflects ethical conduct for a personal care aide?

Answer: Sharing client information with coworkers outside of care-related discussions is a confidentiality violation

Sharing client information outside of formal, care-related communication channels—even with other staff—violates confidentiality obligations.

A client asks you to lie to their family about how often you visit. What should you do?

Answer: Explain that you cannot be dishonest and suggest discussing the concern with your supervisor

Veracity and professional integrity require honesty; aides cannot participate in deception and should help redirect the concern through appropriate channels.

Which action best protects a client's confidentiality when leaving a shift report for the incoming aide?

Answer: Hand the report directly to the incoming aide or place it in a secure, designated location

Care documentation must be transferred securely to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing private health information.

If a personal care aide witnesses a coworker stealing from a client, what is the ethical and legal obligation?

Answer: Report the incident to a supervisor immediately as potential financial abuse

Theft from a client constitutes financial abuse and must be reported immediately to a supervisor, as aides are mandated reporters of all forms of client abuse.