Question
Difficulty: medium. Skill: apply. Type: ethics professional judgment.
During a home program, parent asks the BCBA to act quickly even though the requirement related to multiple relationships and risk mitigation is directly relevant. What is the most appropriate response? The case file includes 3 recent sessions, 1 implementer, and 2 settings.
AAddress the risk early with documentation, consultation, and safeguards before harm occurs in relation to child's dropping to the floor when demands are presentedCorrect answer
BUse a familiar protocol even though it does not address risks and prevention of unethical behavior
CRely on parent's report alone and stop collecting direct evidence
DChange the intervention immediately based on the concern alone
Explanation
Answer AThe clue is the combination of caregiver notes plus one direct observation, dropping to the floor when demands are presented, and the required task: Multiple relationships and risk mitigation. The case file includes 3 recent sessions, 1 implementer, and 2 settings. Address the risk early with documentation, consultation, and safeguards before harm occurs in relation to child's dropping to the floor when demands are presented is best because it answers that clue through risks and prevention of unethical behavior instead of treating the scenario as a generic behavior problem. On exam items like this, name the decision point first, then eliminate options that rely on one report, a label, a familiar protocol, or an action that skips the relevant data check.
Why this question is hard
ClueKey scenario clueThe clue is the combination of caregiver notes plus one direct observation, dropping to the floor when demands are presented, and the required task: Multiple relationships and risk mitigation. The case file includes 3 recent sessions, 1 implementer, and 2 settings.
TrapCommon trapA familiar protocol is not enough unless it matches the assessed variables and the current decision question.
NextIf you missed it, review Risks and prevention of unethical behaviorThen answer a few related scenarios before moving back to broad practice.
Why the other choices are weaker
BChoice BA familiar protocol is not enough unless it matches the assessed variables and the current decision question.
CChoice CStakeholder input matters, but direct data, context, and integrity checks are still needed for a defensible answer.
DChoice DThis is weaker because it skips the assessment, integrity, or decision rule needed before changing procedures.
Study tags
Risks and prevention of unethical behaviorMultiple relationships and risk mitigationunethical behaviorrisk mitigation
Related concept pages
Turn this into a study plan
If this question felt difficult, practice a short drill from Ethical and Professional Issues and use the review page to turn missed items into a weak-area plan.
Practice interactively
Try more BCBA scenario questions in the interactive practice mode, then use review tools to track missed domains and flagged items.