Chapter 4. ETHICS

Question 1

What is ethics?

Answer 1

Moral principles that guide what is right or wrong in behaviour and decision-making.

Question 2

What is ethical behaviour for a PSW?

Answer 2

Acting with honesty, respect, dignity, fairness, and compassion toward all clients.

Question 3

What is a code of ethics?

Answer 3

A set of rules or values that guide PSWs in making ethical decisions and providing quality care.

Question 4

Why is confidentiality an ethical requirement?

Answer 4

Clients have the right to privacy; PSWs must protect personal information at all times.

Question 5

What is the PSW’s responsibility if confidentiality is broken?

Answer 5

Report to the supervisor; never cover it up.

Question 6

What are professional boundaries?

Answer 6

Limits that protect the client–worker relationship by keeping it professional.

Question 7

What is boundary crossing?

Answer 7

When a PSW becomes too involved personally (receiving gifts, sharing personal problems, etc.)

Question 8

Give an example of maintaining boundaries.

Answer 8

Not accepting money or gifts, not giving personal contact information, keeping interactions professional.

Question 9

What is informed consent?

Answer 9

The client understands the procedure and agrees voluntarily before care is given.

Question 10

What is implied consent?

Answer 10

Non-verbal agreement (e.g., client lifts their arm for bathing).

Question 11

What should a PSW do if a client refuses care?

Answer 11

Respect the refusal, report to the nurse, and never force care.

Question 12

What is neglect?

Answer 12

Failing to provide care or ignoring a client’s needs, resulting in harm or risk of harm.

Question 13

What is abuse?

Answer 13

Any action that causes physical, emotional, financial, sexual, or verbal harm to the client.

Question 14

What are the 5 types of abuse?

Answer 14

Physical
Emotional
Sexual
Financial
Neglect (self-neglect or caregiver neglect)

Question 15

What must a PSW do if they suspect abuse?

Answer 15

Report immediately to a supervisor—PSWs are legally required to report.

Question 16

Can a PSW refuse to provide unsafe or unethical care?

Answer 16

Yes—PSWs must refuse unsafe tasks and report concerns.

Question 17

What values guide ethical PSW care?

Answer 17

Dignity, independence, privacy, safety, and respect for the client’s choices.

Question 18

What is autonomy?

Answer 18

A client’s right to make their own decisions about their care.

Question 19

Why is honesty important in PSW ethics?

Answer 19

Trust is essential; PSWs must report truthfully and never hide mistakes.

Question 20

What should a PSW do if they make an error?

Answer 20

Report immediately, explain what happened, and follow employer policy.

Question 21

What is cultural sensitivity?

Answer 21

Respecting cultural differences in values, beliefs, traditions, and communication.

Question 22

Why is ethical decision-making important?

Answer 22

It ensures safe, respectful care and protects the rights and well-being of all clients.