FREE PSS Ethical Problem-Solving and Confidentiality Questions and Answers

Question 1

A peer you are supporting tells you about a past crime for which they were never caught. According to confidentiality standards, you should:

Accepted Answer

Maintain confidentiality as there is no imminent threat of harm.

Answer

Immediately report the crime to the police.

Answer

Discuss it with other peers in a support group to get advice.

Answer

Tell your supervisor so they can report the crime.

Question 2

A Peer Support Specialist MUST break confidentiality when:

Accepted Answer

A peer makes a credible threat to seriously harm their neighbor.

Answer

A peer admits to using illegal substances.

Answer

A peer's family member asks for an update on their progress.

Answer

A peer expresses feelings of hopelessness about the future.

Question 3

A peer you support asks you for a $20 loan until they get paid. This situation represents an ethical challenge related to:

Accepted Answer

Boundaries and Dual Relationships

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Scope of Practice

Answer

Informed Consent

Question 4

When faced with a complex ethical dilemma, what is the most critical first step for a Peer Support Specialist to take?

Accepted Answer

Consult with your supervisor.

Answer

Make a quick decision based on your gut feeling.

Answer

Ask the peer what they think you should do.

Answer

Ignore the situation and hope it resolves itself.

Question 5

A peer asks you for advice on which medication they should be taking for their depression. The most appropriate response is to:

Accepted Answer

Tell them you cannot give medical advice and encourage them to talk to their doctor.

Answer

Share which medication worked best for you.

Answer

Research different medications online and give them a summary.

Answer

Advise them to stop taking medication and try holistic methods.

Question 6

The primary purpose of documenting peer support interactions is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide a record of services and progress towards goals.

Answer

Gather information to share with the peer's family.

Answer

Create a detailed history of the peer's trauma.

Answer

Have evidence in case of a future disagreement with the peer.

Question 7

Ethical practice requires a Peer Support Specialist to obtain informed consent. This means ensuring the peer understands:

Accepted Answer

The nature of peer support and the limits of confidentiality.

Answer

The specialist's personal recovery story in full detail.

Answer

The specialist's work schedule and contact information.

Answer

The specialist's opinion on their diagnosis.