Question
Difficulty: medium. Skill: apply. Type: ethics professional judgment.
During a clinic session, caregiver 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 2 recent sessions, 5 implementers, and 1 setting.
AAddress the risk early with documentation, consultation, and safeguards before harm occurs in relation to learner's leaving the instructional areaCorrect answer
BBase the decision on the descriptive label for leaving the instructional area and bypass multiple relationships and risk mitigation
CUse a familiar protocol even though it does not address risks and prevention of unethical behavior
DRely on caregiver's report alone and stop collecting direct evidence
Explanation
Answer AThe clue is the combination of four sessions of stable baseline data followed by two overlapping intervention points, leaving the instructional area, and the required task: Multiple relationships and risk mitigation. The case file includes 2 recent sessions, 5 implementers, and 1 setting. Address the risk early with documentation, consultation, and safeguards before harm occurs in relation to learner's leaving the instructional area 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 four sessions of stable baseline data followed by two overlapping intervention points, leaving the instructional area, and the required task: Multiple relationships and risk mitigation. The case file includes 2 recent sessions, 5 implementers, and 1 setting.
TrapCommon trapThis is weaker because the label does not answer the Multiple relationships and risk mitigation decision point or test Risks and prevention of unethical behavior.
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 BThis is weaker because the label does not answer the Multiple relationships and risk mitigation decision point or test Risks and prevention of unethical behavior.
CChoice CA familiar protocol is not enough unless it matches the assessed variables and the current decision question.
DChoice DStakeholder input matters, but direct data, context, and integrity checks are still needed for a defensible answer.
Study tags
Risks and prevention of unethical behaviorMultiple relationships and risk mitigationunethical behaviorrisk mitigation
Related concept pages
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