HSP Ethics and Professional Standards 3

Question 1

A psychologist working in a hospital setting is asked by a nurse colleague to diagnose a patient 'informally' without conducting an assessment. The psychologist should:

Accepted Answer

Decline, as diagnoses require adequate assessment and formal evaluation

Answer

APA Standard 9.01 requires adequate assessment data before rendering a diagnosis; informal opinions without assessment are ethically prohibited.

Question 2

Which principle from Beauchamp and Childress's bioethical framework obligates psychologists to take active steps to benefit clients?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Beneficence requires psychologists to act in the positive interest of clients, going beyond merely avoiding harm.

Question 3

A psychologist receives a subpoena for client records in a civil case. What is the most appropriate initial step?

Accepted Answer

Notify and consult with the client, then seek legal guidance before releasing records

Answer

Upon receiving a subpoena, psychologists should notify the client, consult with legal counsel, and assert privilege unless a court order compels disclosure.

Question 4

A psychologist completes a forensic evaluation and forms an opinion unfavorable to the retaining attorney's client. Ethically, the psychologist should:

Accepted Answer

Maintain the objective, evidence-based opinion regardless of its impact on the case

Answer

Forensic psychologists must maintain objectivity and accuracy; altering opinions based on the retaining party's interests violates APA and SGFP ethics.

Question 5

A psychologist notices they have developed strong romantic feelings for a current therapy client. The FIRST action should be:

Accepted Answer

Seek personal therapy or supervision to address the feelings and protect the client

Answer

When experiencing countertransference feelings, psychologists must seek supervision or personal therapy to prevent harm to the client and protect professional boundaries.

(HSP) Certified Health Service Psychologist Practice Test

(HSP) Certified Health Service Psychologist Practice Test

HSP Ethics and Professional Standards 3