LMSW Ethics Quiz LMSW Ethics Quiz Tap through 20 scenario questions. See rationale after each answer. Question 1 of 20 1) A client discloses intent to harm a coworker. The social worker feels unsure how to proceed. What is the FIRST step? Immediately notify authorities without consultation Document and continue session as usual Seek supervision to determine ethical and safety steps Ask the client to sign a waiver 2) A social worker receives a subpoena requesting full client records. What should the worker do FIRST? Release all records immediately Notify the client and consult legal counsel Destroy sensitive information Discuss with client’s family first 3) A supervisee feels triggered by a client who reminds them of a past trauma. What is the NEXT step? Continue session without addressing feelings Seek supportive/reflective supervision before next session Refer the client immediately to another social worker Stop documentation to avoid self-reflection 4) A client requests their social worker not to report suspected child abuse. What is the FIRST action? Honor client request and maintain confidentiality Report suspected abuse to CPS as mandated Delay reporting until client consents Call client’s family first 5) During supervision, a social worker discusses personal countertransference affecting client engagement. Which supervision model is MOST appropriate? Administrative supervision Supportive/Reflective supervision Legal supervision Client-led supervision 6) A social worker receives a court order requesting part of a client’s mental health record. What is the BEST practice? Release all records to ensure compliance Release only the information specifically requested Ignore the court order Destroy unnecessary records 7) A client expresses anger about agency policies affecting their care. The social worker is unsure how to respond. FIRST step? Engage in problem-solving and seek supervision if unsure Ignore client concerns Refer client to another worker immediately Document only and continue session 8) During documentation, a social worker is asked by a supervisor to exaggerate client progress. What should the worker do FIRST? Comply to avoid conflict Discuss ethical concern with supervisor Ignore and continue inaccurate documentation Report immediately to licensing board 9) A client’s family requests access to privileged information without consent. What is the NEXT step? Share information with family immediately Verify client consent or applicable exceptions before sharing Discuss client issues with family anyway Ignore and terminate services 10) A social worker is considering terminating a client who frequently challenges boundaries. FIRST action? Terminate immediately Consult supervisor about ethical and clinical considerations Ignore boundary violations Discuss termination with client without supervision 11) A social worker wants to use client case examples for a research poster. What is the FIRST step? Share identifiable client info Publish without consent Obtain informed consent or de-identify data Ask family for permission 12) You notice increasing fatigue, irritability, and detachment at work. NEXT step? Push through until the end of the week Ignore symptoms Increase caseload Implement self-care and consult supervision 13) When completing SOAP notes, which action is MOST appropriate? Objectively document client statements, interventions, and response Include opinions and judgments Skip follow-up plan Only write subjective impressions 14) Client signs a consent form refusing disclosure of sensitive records. Court subpoena requests records. What to do FIRST? Review subpoena, assert privilege where applicable Release all records Ignore subpoena Share with family 15) Social worker feels conflicted about terminating a client with boundary violations. NEXT step? Terminate immediately Discuss with client alone Consult supervisor about ethical implications Wait until next session 16) Social worker notices vicarious trauma from repeated client disclosures. Best initial step? Increase client load Ignore the feelings Stop seeing clients temporarily Seek support, supervision, and self-care strategies 17) Supervision is ALWAYS appropriate when: Ethical dilemma, boundary concern, triggered feelings, uncertainty about intervention, client safety Only for administrative paperwork For lunch breaks Never, self-reliance is preferred 18) Social worker asked to falsify session notes. MOST ethical response? Falsify notes to comply Ignore request Raise concern to supervisor and document ethically Share notes with client only 19) Court issues subpoena for client records. What is BEST practice? Release all records immediately Post on social media Ignore request Verify requested info and release only what is legally required 20) Planning research involving client data. MOST ethical first step? Share client info openly Seek IRB or supervisor guidance Publish before consent Ask unrelated staff to review Prev Next