Ethics and Law in Fieldwork: Essential Knowledge for Social Work Students

Question 1

Which ethical principle emphasizes respecting service users' rights, choices, and independence?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 2

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics requires social workers to maintain confidentiality except in situations where a clear and imminent risk of harm exists.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 3

Which federal law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in the workplace?

Accepted Answer

Americans with Disabilities Act

Answer

Social Security Act

Answer

Affordable Care Act

Answer

Family and Medical Leave Act

Question 4

Informed consent requires individuals to have which elements before providing consent?

Accepted Answer

Capacity, understanding, and voluntariness

Answer

Capacity and understanding only

Answer

Voluntariness and understanding only

Answer

Capacity and voluntariness only

Question 5

Which organizational policy outlines the responsibilities and expectations of field supervisors?

Accepted Answer

Field agency policies

Answer

NASW Code of Ethics

Answer

University guidelines

Answer

Social Work Licensure Act

Question 6

Which legal theory holds professionals accountable for their failure to exercise due care in providing services?

Accepted Answer

Respondeat superior

Answer

Battery

Answer

Assault

Answer

Trespass

Question 7

Which practice is most consistent with ethical decision-making in field education?

Accepted Answer

Consulting with supervisors, peers, and relevant resources

Answer

Relying on personal values alone

Answer

Following agency policies blindly

Answer

Ignoring potential ethical dilemmas

Question 8

Which ethical principle in social work encompasses respecting client autonomy, promoting their well-being, and ensuring fairness?

Accepted Answer

Respect for Persons

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 9

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) primarily focuses on protecting:

Accepted Answer

Client privacy and confidentiality

Answer

Social worker's autonomy

Answer

Agency's reputation

Answer

Supervisor's authority

Question 10

When a client expresses a desire to end field services, the field social worker should first:

Accepted Answer

Respect the client's decision and discuss termination options

Answer

Attempt to persuade the client to continue services

Answer

Immediately terminate services without further discussion

Answer

Consult with the supervisor prior to taking any action

Question 11

Which of the following is less likely to be a potential ethical conflict in field education?

Accepted Answer

Shared cultural values between the student and client

Answer

Conflicting demands from the agency and the client

Answer

Disagreements about treatment plans between the student and supervisor

Answer

Lack of informed consent from the client

Question 12

The primary purpose of a confidentiality agreement in field education is to:

Accepted Answer

Protect client privacy and foster trust

Answer

Limit the student's ability to share information with others

Answer

Document the student's awareness of ethical guidelines

Answer

Establish the legal responsibilities of the field instructor

Question 13

In situations where a client poses a threat to themselves or others, field social workers are legally obligated to:

Accepted Answer

Report the client to the appropriate authorities

Answer

Contact the client's family or friends

Answer

Refer the client to a mental health professional

Answer

Maintain confidentiality and refrain from taking any action

Question 14

A fundamental difference between ethical and legal considerations in field education is that:

Accepted Answer

Ethics are based on principles and values, while laws are based on regulations and statutes

Answer

Ethics are subjective, while laws are objective

Answer

Ethics apply only to social workers, while laws apply to everyone

Answer

There is no distinction between ethics and laws in field education

Question 15

The ethical principle of self-determination emphasizes the:

Accepted Answer

Importance of respecting clients' right to make their own decisions

Answer

Necessity of imposing social worker's values on clients

Answer

Duty to protect clients from making harmful choices

Answer

Obligation to coerce clients into participating in services

Question 16

An effective approach to addressing ethical concerns in field education involves:

Accepted Answer

Openly discussing them with the supervisor

Answer

Ignoring them until they become major problems

Answer

Following agency guidelines without question

Answer

Reporting them to the field instructor without the student's consent

Question 17

Who carries the primary responsibility for ensuring adherence to ethical and legal considerations in field education?

Accepted Answer

Both the field instructor and the student social worker

Answer

The field instructor

Answer

The student social worker

Answer

The agency hosting the field placement

Question 18

Which ethical principle requires social workers to prioritize the well-being of their clients?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 19

What is the first recommended step in addressing an ethical dilemma in field education?

Accepted Answer

Consulting with your field supervisor

Answer

Discussing it with your social work peers

Answer

Reporting it to the licensing board

Answer

Seeking guidance from the agency director

Question 20

Which of the following ethical principles is NOT explicitly stated in the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity and impartiality

Answer

Respect for human dignity and worth

Answer

Justice and fairness

Answer

Empowerment and self-determination

Question 21

Which ethical principle emphasizes prioritizing the client's best interests above all else?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 22

According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics, what is the primary duty of a field social worker?

Accepted Answer

To defend clients' rights

Answer

To provide fair assessments

Answer

To maintain client privacy

Answer

To follow organizational regulations

Question 23

What should a field social worker do first when faced with an ethical dilemma?

Accepted Answer

Consult with a supervisor

Answer

Follow agency procedures

Answer

Act based on personal judgment

Answer

Avoid taking any action

Question 24

What is the primary purpose of informed consent in field education?

Accepted Answer

To ensure clients fully comprehend the nature and purpose of treatment

Answer

To acquire client consent for services

Answer

To protect the field social worker from legal liability

Answer

To record client agreement with the treatment plan

Question 25

What is the primary goal of obtaining informed consent in field education?

Accepted Answer

To ensure clients fully comprehend the potential benefits and risks involved

Answer

To secure legal documentation for potential court proceedings

Answer

To protect the field social worker from lawsuits

Answer

To offer a therapeutic experience for clients

Question 26

What is the primary purpose of the field instructor's role in ethical decision-making?

Accepted Answer

To provide guidance and support to students

Answer

To make all ethical decisions on behalf of students

Answer

To ensure students adhere to all ethical guidelines

Answer

To delegate ethical decision-making responsibilities to students

Question 27

Which ethical principle is essential in social work field education?

Accepted Answer

Protecting client privacy and confidentiality

Answer

Prioritizing personal interests over client well-being

Answer

Ignoring cultural differences in client interactions

Question 28

Which of the following is **not** a core ethical principle in social work?

Accepted Answer

Self-Interest

Answer

Respect for Autonomy

Answer

Non-Maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 29

Which ethical principle emphasizes an individual's right to make informed decisions and have their choices respected in social work practice?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 30

Which of these is NOT a core ethical principle guiding social work field education?

Accepted Answer

Self-preservation

Answer

Respect for the person's dignity and worth

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 31

To ensure individuals are treated with dignity and respect, which ethical principle should be upheld?

Accepted Answer

Respect for Persons

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 32

According to the NASW Code of Ethics, which action does NOT constitute a boundary violation?

Accepted Answer

Offering small tokens of appreciation

Answer

Engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with clients

Answer

Disclosing confidential information without client consent

Answer

Accepting gifts of high monetary value

Question 33

Which federal legislation mandates that all client-related records and documentation remain confidential?

Accepted Answer

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Answer

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Answer

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Answer

Social Security Act

Question 34

In field education, "duty of care" refers to:

Accepted Answer

The obligation to act in the client's best interests

Answer

The necessity to adhere to agency policies and procedures

Answer

The responsibility to maintain client confidentiality

Question 35

If an ethical dilemma arises during field placement, what should a student do?

Accepted Answer

Consult with both field instructor and agency supervisor

Answer

Ignore the dilemma and hope it resolves itself

Answer

Make a unilateral decision without seeking guidance

Question 36

A key component of informed consent in field education involves ensuring:

Accepted Answer

The client fully comprehends the purpose and potential risks of participating

Answer

Consent is obtained by an individual other than the social work student

Answer

The client signs the consent form without reviewing its contents

Question 37

What is the primary purpose of a written agreement for field placements?

Accepted Answer

To clearly outline roles, responsibilities, and expectations

Answer

To protect the agency from potential legal liability

Answer

To document client progress and outcomes

Question 38

Which practice is considered an essential aspect of self-care in field education?

Accepted Answer

Establishing clear boundaries and prioritizing breaks

Answer

Ignoring personal needs and prioritizing work

Answer

Working extended hours without compensation

Question 39

If a student suspects that a fellow student is violating ethical or legal guidelines, what should they do?

Accepted Answer

Report the concern to the field instructor and/or agency supervisor

Answer

Keep the information confidential

Answer

Confront the student directly

Question 40

According to the NASW Code of Ethics, which fundamental ethical principle obligates social workers to respect individuals' right to self-determination?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Question 41

Based on the NASW Code of Ethics, which of the following is NOT an ethical obligation of field instructors?

Accepted Answer

Providing services unrelated to the student's learning objectives

Answer

Upholding confidentiality

Answer

Ensuring adequate supervision

Question 42

Which legal requirement mandates social workers to report any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect?

Accepted Answer

Mandatory Reporting Law

Answer

FERPA

Answer

HIPAA

Answer

Civil Rights Act

Question 43

In the context of field education, what is the primary purpose of obtaining informed consent?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that clients/participants fully understand and voluntarily agree to participate in research or intervention activities.

Answer

To document the student's grasp of ethical principles

Question 44

Which of the following scenarios presents a potential ethical conflict for social work students during field education?

Accepted Answer

Experiencing competing loyalties between the client and the agency

Answer

Managing a heavy workload

Answer

Limited access to transportation for clients

Question 45

What is the crucial role of field instructors in promoting ethical practices among students?

Accepted Answer

Providing ethical guidance, modeling professional conduct, and monitoring student interactions

Answer

Assigning tasks and evaluating student performance

Answer

Advocating solely for the student's personal interests

Question 46

Which of the following strategies is most effective in preventing the development of dual relationships between social work students and clients/participants in field education?

Accepted Answer

Establishing and adhering to clear professional boundaries and avoiding personal interactions that could impair objectivity.

Answer

Engaging in social activities with clients/participants outside of professional settings

Question 47

In social work field education, the primary purpose of maintaining confidentiality is to:

Accepted Answer

Safeguard the privacy and preserve the trust of clients/participants

Answer

Ensure the accuracy of student documentation

Answer

Protect the reputation of the social work program

Question 48

When faced with ethical dilemmas during field education, what is the primary ethical responsibility of social work students?

Accepted Answer

Consulting with field instructors, supervisors, or peers and prioritizing the well-being of clients/participants

Answer

Reporting all ethical concerns directly to the social work program's administration

Question 49

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental ethical principle of social work practice?

Accepted Answer

Honesty

Answer

Social justice

Answer

Service

Answer

Self-determination

Question 50

According to HIPAA, what is required for the release of protected health information (PHI) to other healthcare providers?

Accepted Answer

Patient's written consent

Answer

Verbal approval by the patient's healthcare proxy

Answer

Social worker's discretion

Answer

No consent is required for sharing PHI with other healthcare providers

Question 51

Which situation exemplifies a dual relationship in field education?

Accepted Answer

Dating a client

Answer

Participating in community events alongside clients

Answer

Offering transportation to a field supervisor

Answer

Supervising a fellow student

Question 52

What is the ethical purpose of obtaining informed consent in field education?

Accepted Answer

To ensure clients have a clear understanding of services and their rights

Answer

To protect social workers from liability

Answer

To gain clients' permission for record-keeping

Question 53

According to the NASW Code of Ethics, which action is a social worker ethically bound to perform?

Accepted Answer

Report suspected abuse or neglect

Answer

Prioritize personal interests over client well-being

Answer

Abstain from political advocacy

Answer

Maintain complete confidentiality of client information

Question 54

How do field supervisors contribute to maintaining ethical and legal standards?

Accepted Answer

Providing guidance and monitoring student behavior

Answer

Overlooking ethical concerns presented by students

Answer

Reporting misconduct without informing the student

Answer

Bearing sole responsibility for student actions

Question 55

Which of the following is a potential ethical conflict a social work student may experience during field education?

Accepted Answer

Balancing obligations to the agency and clients

Answer

Insufficient resources

Answer

Heavy workload

Question 56

What is the most appropriate course of action when faced with an ethical concern in field education?

Accepted Answer

Raise the concern with the field supervisor and/or agency director

Answer

Confront the individual involved privately

Answer

Report the concern to an external authority without consulting the agency