California Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) Law and Ethics exam

When a client makes a derogatory remark about a previous boss, what is the appropriate action for the social worker?

1. Disclose personal feelings towards the client

2. Seek consultation regarding the situation

3. Refer the client to another professional

4. Ignore personal feelings and focus on the client's issues

The correct answer is: Seek consultation regarding the situation

In this situation, seeking consultation regarding the situation is the most appropriate action for the social worker. Consulting with colleagues or supervisors allows the social worker to gain insight and guidance on how to professionally handle the client's derogatory remark without letting personal feelings interfere with the therapeutic relationship. This approach emphasizes the importance of maintaining ethical standards and ensuring that the client's best interests remain the primary focus of the treatment. This action also helps the social worker to process their own reactions and prepare a more constructive response that supports the client's progress. Engaging in consultation respects the collaborative nature of social work practice and fosters a culture of support among professionals, which can lead to better outcomes for the client. Other options, such as disclosing personal feelings or referring the client to another professional, could disrupt the therapeutic alliance and may not effectively address the client's needs. Ignoring personal feelings may prevent the worker from recognizing and managing their own emotional responses adequately, which is essential in therapeutic settings. Thus, seeking consultation allows for a balanced and professionally responsible approach to the situation.