MSW FREE MSW Master of Social Work Professional Values and Ethics Questions and Answers 3

Question 1

A terminally ill client asks their social worker to help them explore end-of-life options, including physician-assisted death in a state where it is legal.
Which ethical principle should guide the social worker's response?

Accepted Answer

Client self-determination

Answer

The social worker's personal moral beliefs

Answer

Agency policy exclusively

Answer

The social worker's religious values

Question 2

What is the PRIMARY ethical obligation of a social worker who suspects that an agency's billing practices are fraudulent?

Accepted Answer

Report concerns through appropriate internal and external channels

Answer

Resign from the position immediately

Answer

Ignore the issue since it is an administrative matter

Answer

Discuss it only with trusted coworkers

Question 3

A social worker is transitioning a long-term client to a new therapist due to relocation. Which ethical responsibility is MOST critical during this process?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring continuity of care through proper referral and transfer

Answer

Ending services immediately to avoid dependency

Answer

Maintaining contact as a friend after termination

Answer

Allowing the client to find their own replacement therapist

Question 4

Which situation represents a violation of the ethical standard regarding informed consent?

Accepted Answer

Beginning treatment before discussing potential risks, benefits, and alternatives

Answer

Explaining treatment risks in the client's preferred language

Answer

Documenting consent in the client's file

Answer

Revisiting consent as treatment goals change

Question 5

A social worker learns confidential information about a client that suggests the client's child may be at risk of neglect. What ethical duty takes precedence over confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Duty to protect vulnerable persons

Answer

Duty to the agency

Answer

Duty to maintain the therapeutic alliance

Answer

Duty to respect client autonomy

Question 6

According to the NASW Code of Ethics, what is the social worker's responsibility regarding cultural competence?

Accepted Answer

Obtain education about and demonstrate understanding of diverse cultures

Answer

Treat all clients identically regardless of background

Answer

Refer clients of different cultural backgrounds to other providers

Answer

Rely solely on personal life experience for cultural knowledge