CTRS Ethics & Professionalism in Recreation Therapy 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A CTRS is working with a minor client whose parents refuse a recommended therapeutic recreation intervention. The therapist should:
- Implement the intervention anyway since it is clinically indicated
- Educate the parents about the benefits and document their refusal (Correct answer)
- Report the parents for medical neglect
- Discontinue all services to the client
Correct answer: Educate the parents about the benefits and document their refusal
Educating the parents and documenting their informed refusal respects parental authority while fulfilling the therapist's professional duty to inform.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes 'dual relationships' in recreation therapy ethics?
- Treating clients with both physical and cognitive disabilities
- A therapist having both a professional and personal relationship with a client (Correct answer)
- Collaborating with two different treatment team members
- Using two therapeutic modalities in the same session
Correct answer: A therapist having both a professional and personal relationship with a client
Dual relationships occur when a therapist has both a professional role and a personal relationship with a client, creating potential conflicts of interest.
Question 3: According to professional ethics, a CTRS must obtain informed consent before beginning treatment. Informed consent must include:
- Only the name of the therapy program
- The nature of services, risks, benefits, and the right to refuse (Correct answer)
- A guarantee of treatment outcomes
- The therapist's personal qualifications and salary
Correct answer: The nature of services, risks, benefits, and the right to refuse
Valid informed consent requires disclosure of the nature, risks, benefits, and alternatives of treatment along with the client's right to refuse.
Question 4: A CTRS is asked to lead an activity that falls outside their competency area. The ethical response is to:
- Attempt the activity and learn on the job
- Decline and recommend a qualified colleague or seek training first (Correct answer)
- Ask the client if it is acceptable to try something new
- Follow supervisor orders regardless of competency
Correct answer: Decline and recommend a qualified colleague or seek training first
Practicing within one's scope of competence is an ethical obligation; declining and seeking proper training or referral protects clients.
Question 5: The ATRA Code of Ethics principle of 'justice' in recreation therapy means:
- Maximizing positive outcomes for every client
- Providing fair and equitable services without discrimination (Correct answer)
- Reporting unethical colleagues to authorities
- Keeping all client information confidential
Correct answer: Providing fair and equitable services without discrimination
Justice requires that services be distributed fairly and that all clients receive equitable treatment regardless of background or characteristics.
Question 6: A CTRS suspects a client is being financially exploited by a family member. Under mandatory reporting laws, the therapist should:
- Confront the family member directly before reporting
- Report the suspected abuse to Adult Protective Services (Correct answer)
- Wait until there is definitive proof before taking action
- Discuss it only in the next team meeting
Correct answer: Report the suspected abuse to Adult Protective Services
CTRSs are mandated reporters in most states and must report suspected elder or vulnerable adult abuse to the appropriate protective agency.
Question 7: A client asks a CTRS for personal social media contact to stay in touch after discharge. The most ethical response is to:
- Accept if the therapeutic relationship has ended
- Decline and explain professional boundary policies (Correct answer)
- Redirect to a general facility social media page only
- Accept only if the client initiates the request
Correct answer: Decline and explain professional boundary policies
Maintaining professional boundaries includes declining personal social media connections with current or former clients to avoid boundary violations.
CTRS Ethics & Professionalism in Recreation Therapy 3
A CTRS is working with a minor client whose parents refuse a recommended therapeutic recreation intervention.
The therapist should: