FREE MSW Master of Social Work Ethical Dilemmas in Practice Questions and Answers

Question 1

A social worker is providing therapy to a client who reveals during a session that they are actively planning to harm a former romantic partner.
The client has a history of domestic violence and makes credible threats.
The social worker's primary ethical dilemma is balancing client confidentiality with the duty to protect.
Which ethical principle takes precedence in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Protection of life, as the threat of serious harm to another person outweighs confidentiality.

Answer

Client self-determination, as the client has the right to make their own choices.

Answer

Confidentiality, as breaking it could damage the therapeutic relationship.

Answer

Social justice, by ensuring the client receives appropriate mental health support without judgment.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes an ethical dilemma in social work practice?

Accepted Answer

A situation where a social worker must choose between two or more morally justifiable actions, each with valid ethical arguments, but cannot do both.

Answer

A clear violation of a professional code of ethics by a social worker.

Answer

A disagreement between a client and a social worker regarding the best course of treatment.

Answer

A legal issue that requires consultation with an attorney, not an ethical one.

Question 3

A social worker in a rural community discovers that a new client is also a distant relative. The social worker recognizes a potential conflict of interest and boundary issue. According to the NASW Code of Ethics, what is the most appropriate initial step for the social worker to take?

Accepted Answer

Consult with a supervisor or ethics committee to determine the best course of action, which may include referral.

Answer

Inform the client of the relationship and continue treatment, ensuring transparency.

Answer

Immediately terminate services and refer the client to another agency without explanation.

Answer

Maintain confidentiality about the familial relationship and proceed with therapy as usual.

Question 4

A social worker is employed by an agency that has a policy requiring mandatory reporting of all drug use by clients to law enforcement, even when the client is not engaged in illegal activity beyond personal use and poses no threat to others. The social worker believes this policy is detrimental to client trust and recovery, and potentially discriminatory. What is the most ethically sound action for the social worker to take?

Accepted Answer

Advocate within the agency for a change in policy, while continuing to follow the existing policy in the interim.

Answer

Follow the agency policy to avoid disciplinary action, despite personal ethical concerns.

Answer

Discreetly ignore the policy for clients who are not causing harm, prioritizing client well-being.

Answer

Resign from the agency due to the irreconcilable conflict between personal ethics and agency policy.

Question 5

A social worker is working with an undocumented immigrant client who is a victim of domestic violence. The client expresses fear of reporting the abuse to authorities due to concerns about deportation. The social worker's ethical obligation to protect the client conflicts with potential legal risks to the client. Which ethical framework is most relevant when navigating this complex situation?

Accepted Answer

Rights-based ethics, prioritizing the client's fundamental human rights and safety.

Answer

Deontology, focusing strictly on rules and duties, regardless of consequences.

Answer

Utilitarianism, aiming for the greatest good for the greatest number.

Answer

Virtue ethics, emphasizing the social worker's character and moral virtues.

Question 6

A social worker is conducting a needs assessment for an elderly client who lives alone and shows signs of cognitive decline. During the assessment, the client repeatedly states they do not want any assistance, despite obvious safety concerns (e.g., spoiled food, unpaid bills, poor hygiene). The social worker suspects the client lacks the capacity to make sound decisions but also values the client's autonomy. This situation primarily represents a conflict between which two ethical principles?

Accepted Answer

Client self-determination and protection from harm.

Answer

Competence and integrity.

Answer

Social justice and human relationships.

Answer

Privacy and informed consent.