MSW Master of Social Work Professional Values and Ethics Questions and Answers Flashcards
6 cards from real MSW practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 MSW Master of Social Work Professional Values and Ethics Questions and Answers flashcards as text
A social worker discovers that a colleague is practicing while impaired due to substance use. According to the NASW Code of Ethics, what is the social worker's primary obligation?
Answer: Report the concern through appropriate channels to protect clients
The NASW Code of Ethics requires social workers to take action when a colleague's impairment interferes with practice effectiveness, primarily to protect clients from harm.
Which ethical principle is demonstrated when a social worker helps a client understand all available treatment options and supports the client's right to choose?
Answer: Self-determination
Self-determination is the ethical principle that recognizes clients' rights to make their own decisions and choices about their care and treatment.
A social worker in private practice receives a subpoena for a client's records. What should the social worker do first?
Answer: Consult with an attorney and notify the client before releasing any information
Social workers should consult legal counsel and inform the client before responding to a subpoena, as a subpoena alone does not override confidentiality obligations without a court order.
In which situation would a social worker be ethically justified in breaching client confidentiality without the client's consent?
Answer: When the client reveals plans to seriously harm an identifiable third party
The duty to warn or protect applies when a client poses a serious, imminent threat to an identifiable third party, which is a recognized exception to confidentiality.
A social worker feels a strong personal attraction to a current client. What is the most ethical course of action?
Answer: Seek consultation or supervision and consider transferring the client
The NASW Code of Ethics prohibits dual relationships that could exploit clients, and seeking supervision while considering a referral protects the client's well-being.
Which core social work value is most directly reflected in advocating for policy changes that address systemic poverty?
Answer: Social justice
Social justice is the core value that compels social workers to pursue social change, particularly on behalf of vulnerable and oppressed populations affected by systemic inequities.