PBC Ethical Standards & Professional Boundaries 3

Question 1

A perinatal bereavement specialist learns that a grieving parent is also a colleague at the same hospital. Which action BEST maintains ethical boundaries?

Accepted Answer

Refer the colleague to another provider to avoid role conflict

Answer

Referring a workplace colleague to another provider eliminates the dual relationship that could compromise objectivity and the therapeutic alliance.

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of 'countertransference' in perinatal bereavement care?

Accepted Answer

A counselor feeling personal grief when a client describes her stillbirth

Answer

Countertransference occurs when the clinician's own emotional responses—such as personal grief—are triggered by the client's material.

Question 3

When obtaining informed consent from a bereaved parent for bereavement support services, which element is MOST essential?

Accepted Answer

Explanation of the nature, limits, and alternatives to the proposed support

Answer

Informed consent requires that the client understands the nature of services, their limits, and available alternatives so they can make an autonomous decision.

Question 4

A perinatal bereavement counselor is asked by a grieving father to write a letter supporting his custody case. The MOST ethically appropriate response is to:

Accepted Answer

Decline and explain that this role is outside the therapeutic relationship

Answer

Writing advocacy letters creates a dual role that can compromise the therapeutic relationship and the counselor's professional neutrality.

Question 5

Which ethical standard governs a perinatal bereavement specialist's obligation to refer clients when the client's needs exceed the clinician's competence?

Accepted Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Nonmaleficence—'do no harm'—requires clinicians to recognize the limits of their competence and refer to prevent client harm.

(PBC) Perinatal Bereavement Certification Practice Test

(PBC) Perinatal Bereavement Certification Practice Test

PBC Ethical Standards & Professional Boundaries 3