Below is a set of sample revision test questions—both multiple‐choice and short
answer—with detailed rationales for each. These questions are designed to help
you review key concepts from Corey’s Issues and Ethics in the Helping
Professions (11th Edition), covering topics such as confidentiality, boundaries,
ethical decision-making, informed consent, and professional codes. Use these
tests to identify areas for further study and deepen your understanding of
ethical practice in helping professions.
Multiple-Choice Questions
1. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of ethical practice. Which of the following best describes the
principle of confidentiality?
A. Sharing client information with team members regardless of client consent.
B. Protecting client information and disclosing it only when legally mandated or with the client’s
informed consent.
C. Informing a client’s family members about progress to secure additional support.
D. Discussing client cases in public settings to gain peer feedback.
Rationale:
The correct answer is B. This option encapsulates the ethical mandate that client information must be
kept private, and disclosure should occur only with explicit consent or when required by law.
2. Which scenario best illustrates a violation of professional boundaries?
A. Accepting a modest gift from a client as a gesture of thanks.
B. Engaging in a dual relationship by also entering a business relationship with a client.
C. Referring a client to a specialist when their needs exceed your expertise.
D. Maintaining clear and documented records of all client sessions.
Rationale:
The correct answer is B. Dual relationships can blur professional boundaries and potentially lead to
conflicts of interest or exploitation, which are central concerns in ethical practice.
3. What is the primary purpose of an ethical decision-making model in the helping professions?
A. To delay action until a supervisor is available.
B. To provide a structured and systematic approach to resolving ethical dilemmas.
C. To incorporate personal opinions into professional decisions.
D. To enforce a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach to every case.
, Rationale:
The correct answer is B. Ethical decision-making models are designed to guide professionals step by step
in analyzing dilemmas, considering ethical codes, and determining the best course of action.
4. Which term refers to the obligation to “do no harm” in ethical practice?
A. Autonomy
B. Nonmaleficence
C. Justice
D. Fidelity
Rationale:
The correct answer is B. Nonmaleficence is the principle that requires professionals to avoid causing
harm to clients.
5. Informed consent is critical to ethical practice. Which of the following best describes informed
consent?
A. Assuming that clients understand the treatment process without explanation.
B. Explaining the nature, risks, benefits, and alternatives of the services and obtaining the client’s
agreement before beginning treatment.
C. Initiating services and clarifying details after the client has begun treatment.
D. Relying on verbal agreements without any written documentation.
Rationale:
The correct answer is B. Informed consent involves providing all necessary information about the service
so that clients can make knowledgeable decisions about their participation.
6. What role do professional codes of ethics play in the helping professions?
A. They are merely suggestions that can be overlooked if inconvenient.
B. They establish standards for professional conduct and guide decision-making.
C. They are only applicable during legal disputes.
D. They limit a professional’s ability to exercise personal judgment in every situation.
Rationale:
The correct answer is B. Codes of ethics serve as benchmarks for behavior and decision-making,
ensuring that professionals maintain integrity and accountability in their practice.
7. Dual relationships often raise ethical concerns. What is a potential risk associated with dual
relationships?
answer—with detailed rationales for each. These questions are designed to help
you review key concepts from Corey’s Issues and Ethics in the Helping
Professions (11th Edition), covering topics such as confidentiality, boundaries,
ethical decision-making, informed consent, and professional codes. Use these
tests to identify areas for further study and deepen your understanding of
ethical practice in helping professions.
Multiple-Choice Questions
1. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of ethical practice. Which of the following best describes the
principle of confidentiality?
A. Sharing client information with team members regardless of client consent.
B. Protecting client information and disclosing it only when legally mandated or with the client’s
informed consent.
C. Informing a client’s family members about progress to secure additional support.
D. Discussing client cases in public settings to gain peer feedback.
Rationale:
The correct answer is B. This option encapsulates the ethical mandate that client information must be
kept private, and disclosure should occur only with explicit consent or when required by law.
2. Which scenario best illustrates a violation of professional boundaries?
A. Accepting a modest gift from a client as a gesture of thanks.
B. Engaging in a dual relationship by also entering a business relationship with a client.
C. Referring a client to a specialist when their needs exceed your expertise.
D. Maintaining clear and documented records of all client sessions.
Rationale:
The correct answer is B. Dual relationships can blur professional boundaries and potentially lead to
conflicts of interest or exploitation, which are central concerns in ethical practice.
3. What is the primary purpose of an ethical decision-making model in the helping professions?
A. To delay action until a supervisor is available.
B. To provide a structured and systematic approach to resolving ethical dilemmas.
C. To incorporate personal opinions into professional decisions.
D. To enforce a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach to every case.
, Rationale:
The correct answer is B. Ethical decision-making models are designed to guide professionals step by step
in analyzing dilemmas, considering ethical codes, and determining the best course of action.
4. Which term refers to the obligation to “do no harm” in ethical practice?
A. Autonomy
B. Nonmaleficence
C. Justice
D. Fidelity
Rationale:
The correct answer is B. Nonmaleficence is the principle that requires professionals to avoid causing
harm to clients.
5. Informed consent is critical to ethical practice. Which of the following best describes informed
consent?
A. Assuming that clients understand the treatment process without explanation.
B. Explaining the nature, risks, benefits, and alternatives of the services and obtaining the client’s
agreement before beginning treatment.
C. Initiating services and clarifying details after the client has begun treatment.
D. Relying on verbal agreements without any written documentation.
Rationale:
The correct answer is B. Informed consent involves providing all necessary information about the service
so that clients can make knowledgeable decisions about their participation.
6. What role do professional codes of ethics play in the helping professions?
A. They are merely suggestions that can be overlooked if inconvenient.
B. They establish standards for professional conduct and guide decision-making.
C. They are only applicable during legal disputes.
D. They limit a professional’s ability to exercise personal judgment in every situation.
Rationale:
The correct answer is B. Codes of ethics serve as benchmarks for behavior and decision-making,
ensuring that professionals maintain integrity and accountability in their practice.
7. Dual relationships often raise ethical concerns. What is a potential risk associated with dual
relationships?
