NASW Code of Ethics: Essential Guide for Social Workers

Question 1

According to the NASW Code of Ethics, how do social workers advocate for marginalized populations?

Accepted Answer

Challenge oppressive policies and systems

Answer

Provide services only to those who can afford them

Answer

Avoid political or social activism

Answer

Work exclusively with clients from their own cultural background

Question 2

Explain the ethical decision-making process outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics and demonstrate its application in a scenario where a client requests confidentiality.

Accepted Answer

Identify relevant ethical principles, consult with colleagues or supervisors, consider potential consequences, and document the decision-making process.

Answer

Base the decision solely on the client's wishes, disregarding ethical implications.

Answer

Make a decision based exclusively on personal values and beliefs, disregarding ethical guidelines.

Answer

Disregard the client's confidentiality request and disclose information to protect the client's well-being.

Question 3

Which NASW Code of Ethics principle emphasizes the critical importance of protecting and maintaining the privacy of client information?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Service

Answer

Justice

Answer

Cultural Competence

Question 4

The ethical principle of 'Self-Determination' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The right of clients to make informed decisions about their own lives.

Answer

The responsibility of social workers to act in their clients' best interests.

Answer

The importance of respecting clients' cultural diversity.

Answer

The need for social workers to maintain confidentiality.

Question 5

According to the NASW Code of Ethics, social workers have an ethical responsibility to prioritize the well-being of whom?

Accepted Answer

Their clients

Answer

Their community

Answer

Their employers

Answer

Their colleagues

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT considered an exception to the principle of Confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Professional incompetence

Answer

Suspected child abuse or neglect

Answer

Threats of harm to self or others

Answer

Court orders

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a guideline for ethical decision-making according to the NASW Code of Ethics?

Accepted Answer

Act in accordance with personal values

Answer

Avoid conflicts of interest

Answer

Prioritize client self-determination

Answer

Engage in self-reflection

Question 8

The NASW Code of Ethics should be used by social workers to:

Accepted Answer

Guide ethical decision-making

Answer

Justify their actions

Answer

Avoid liability

Answer

Promote their professional image

Question 9

As per the NASW Code of Ethics, how should social workers ethically navigate dual relationships in their professional practice, ensuring the well-being of clients remains paramount?

Accepted Answer

Disclose potential dual relationships and obtain informed client consent.

Answer

Refrain from any dual relationships with clients.

Answer

Engage in dual relationships only if they benefit the client.

Answer

The NASW Code of Ethics does not address dual relationships in social work practice.

Question 10

Which ethical principle requires social workers to respect the dignity and worth of all people?

Accepted Answer

Respect for persons

Answer

Competence

Answer

Integrity

Answer

Confidentiality

Question 11

What is the primary purpose of the NASW Code of Ethics?

Accepted Answer

To provide guidance for ethical decision-making

Answer

To protect social workers from legal liability

Answer

To promote the profession of social work

Answer

To ensure that social workers always act in the best interests of clients

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a step in the ethical decision-making process?

Accepted Answer

Make the decision without considering potential consequences

Answer

Identify the ethical issues

Answer

Consider the NASW Code of Ethics

Answer

Consult with colleagues

Question 13

Which ethical principle requires social workers to act in ways that promote the well-being of society?

Accepted Answer

Social justice

Answer

Service

Answer

Integrity

Answer

Competence

Question 14

Social workers navigate ethical dilemmas by:

Accepted Answer

Balancing potential benefits and risks, considering ethical principles, and applying ethical reasoning

Answer

Prioritizing client needs above all else

Answer

Adhering strictly to legal guidelines

Answer

Relying solely on personal values

Question 15

As per the NASW Code of Ethics, which of the following is NOT an ethical obligation of social workers towards their clients?

Accepted Answer

Always complying with clients' requests

Answer

Upholding confidentiality

Answer

Prioritizing clients' well-being

Question 16

How has the NASW Code of Ethics evolved over time?

Accepted Answer

It has been revised to address evolving societal norms and ethical challenges in social work.

Answer

It has remained largely unchanged since its initial establishment.

Answer

It was created in response to a specific ethical dilemma faced by social workers.

Answer

It is only applicable to social workers in the United States.

Question 17

Who has an obligation to report an ethical violation in social work?

Accepted Answer

Anyone with knowledge of the violation

Answer

Only the client directly affected by the violation

Answer

Only the social worker who committed the violation

Question 18

Which of the following is not a core value of the NASW Code of Ethics?

Accepted Answer

Professionalism

Answer

Service

Answer

Social Justice

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a core value of the NASW Code of Ethics?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Service

Answer

Social justice

Answer

Integrity

Question 20

Under the NASW Code of Ethics, social workers' primary ethical obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Clients

Answer

Colleagues

Answer

Employers

Answer

Society

Question 21

An ethical principle absent from the NASW Code of Ethics is:

Accepted Answer

Self-interest

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Question 22

For social workers, ongoing professional development aims to maintain:

Accepted Answer

Competence in practice

Answer

Emotional well-being

Answer

Career advancement

Answer

Social status

Question 23

When facing ethical challenges, social workers should prioritize:

Accepted Answer

Identifying and analyzing relevant ethical principles

Answer

Seeking guidance from supervisors only

Answer

Acting based on personal intuition

Question 24

According to the NASW Code of Ethics, social workers are obligated to:

Accepted Answer

Challenge injustice and advocate for the marginalized

Answer

Uphold the status quo

Answer

Prioritize personal beliefs

Answer

Obey all organizational policies

Question 25

In prioritizing ethical decision-making, social workers should place foremost importance on:

Accepted Answer

The well-being of clients

Answer

Maintaining a positive reputation

Answer

Employer expectations

Answer

Professional self-interest

Question 26

A key distinction between the NASW Code of Ethics and state licensing laws is that:

Accepted Answer

The Code of Ethics is aspirational, while licensing laws are enforceable

Answer

The Code of Ethics emphasizes client rights, while licensing laws focus on professional conduct

Answer

The Code of Ethics applies to all social workers, while licensing laws vary

Question 27

The NASW Code of Ethics is regularly reviewed and updated to align with:

Accepted Answer

Current social work practice and societal changes

Answer

Historical precedents

Answer

Political ideologies

Answer

Personal preferences

Question 28

Which ethical principle mandates that social workers prioritize the well-being of clients, even when it conflicts with their own interests?

Accepted Answer

Service

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Self-determination

Answer

Integrity

Question 29

According to the NASW Code of Ethics, when is it permissible to share confidential client information without their consent?

Accepted Answer

To prevent serious harm to the client or others

Answer

To enhance research findings

Answer

To avoid personal liability

Answer

To obtain supervision

Question 30

Which scenario presents a potential conflict of interest for a social worker?

Accepted Answer

Providing therapy to a close friend or family member

Answer

Maintaining professional boundaries with clients

Answer

Accepting gifts of nominal value from clients

Answer

Advocating for clients' rights

Question 31

What is the central purpose of the NASW Code of Ethics?

Accepted Answer

To provide a framework for ethical decision-making and guide social work practice

Answer

To ensure legal compliance for social workers

Answer

To dictate specific behaviors for social workers in all situations

Question 32

Which step is included in the ethical decision-making process outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics?

Accepted Answer

Identifying and weighing potential benefits and harms

Answer

Following intuition

Answer

Relying solely on client wishes

Answer

Consulting with a supervisor is always necessary

Question 33

As per the NASW Code of Ethics, what is the primary responsibility of a social worker who suspects child abuse or neglect?

Accepted Answer

To report the suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities

Answer

To maintain confidentiality and not report the suspicion

Answer

To confront the suspected perpetrator directly

Question 34

Which situation exemplifies a cultural competency ethical issue in social work practice?

Accepted Answer

Assuming that a client from a different cultural background shares the same values and beliefs as the social worker

Answer

Respecting the client's cultural and religious practices

Answer

Providing services in a language that the client can understand

Question 35

How does supervision contribute to ethical social work practice?

Accepted Answer

Provides guidance, support, and accountability in applying the NASW Code of Ethics

Answer

Serves primarily to evaluate the social worker's performance

Answer

Ensures that social workers strictly adhere to specific procedures

Question 36

Which core value is emphasized in the NASW Code of Ethics?

Accepted Answer

Service

Answer

Self-advancement

Answer

Profitability

Answer

Personal gain

Question 37

According to the NASW Code of Ethics, social workers must:

Accepted Answer

Respect client privacy

Answer

Comply with all client requests

Answer

Disclose confidential information to supervisors

Answer

Prioritize personal interests over client needs

Question 38

An ethical guideline for resolving conflicts of interest is to:

Accepted Answer

Consult a supervisor or colleague

Answer

Ignore the conflict and proceed

Answer

Conceal the conflict from others

Question 39

Ethical decision-making in social work practice aims to:

Accepted Answer

Ensure client well-being, maintain trust, and uphold professional reputation

Answer

Reduce risk of legal liability

Question 40

A potential consequence of violating the NASW Code of Ethics is:

Accepted Answer

Loss of professional license

Answer

Increased job opportunities

Answer

Recognition for exceptional ethical conduct

Answer

Promotion to a higher position

Question 41

The NASW Code of Ethics guides social workers in using social media by requiring them to:

Accepted Answer

Maintain confidentiality and avoid sharing client information

Answer

Engage in self-promotion and self-advertising

Answer

Post any content, as long as it is not harmful to clients

Question 42

Supervision contributes to ethical practice by providing:

Accepted Answer

Support for reflection and identifying potential ethical issues

Answer

A guarantee that social workers always make the right decisions

Question 43

To stay informed about changes to the NASW Code of Ethics, social workers can:

Accepted Answer

Visit the NASW website and attend continuing education workshops

Answer

Rely solely on memory and past knowledge

Question 44

What is the overarching purpose of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics?

Accepted Answer

To guide social work practice in a manner that safeguards client well-being and upholds professional obligations.

Answer

To provide social workers with legal protection against malpractice claims.

Answer

To serve as a role model for ethical behavior in society.

Question 45

Which core value of the NASW Code of Ethics places primary importance on the client's inherent right to make decisions?

Accepted Answer

Self-Determination

Answer

Justice

Answer

Integrity

Question 46

According to the NASW Code of Ethics, to whom do social workers have the primary ethical duty?

Accepted Answer

Clients

Answer

Employers

Answer

Supervisors

Answer

Colleagues

Question 47

Which of the following is NOT a recommended step in the NASW Code of Ethics guidelines for ethical decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Relying solely on personal intuition

Answer

Consulting with colleagues

Answer

Seeking supervision

Answer

Considering ethical principles

Question 48

Which of the following situations illustrates a potential conflict of interest that social workers must disclose under the NASW Code of Ethics?

Accepted Answer

Developing a romantic relationship with a client

Answer

Having strong opinions on social policies that impact clients

Answer

Working with clients from the same cultural background

Answer

Experiencing personal biases related to a client's issue

Question 49

Which of the following is NOT an ethical duty to colleagues as outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics?

Accepted Answer

Engaging in unethical behavior for personal gain

Answer

Maintaining confidentiality

Answer

Providing support and guidance

Answer

Respecting professional boundaries

Question 50

What is the primary reason for the NASW Code of Ethics to undergo regular reviews and updates?

Accepted Answer

To ensure its relevance and alignment with evolving social work practice and societal norms.

Answer

To reflect the latest research in social work

Answer

To comply with legal and regulatory changes