What might a PSW do if they suspect a client is being abused?

Prepare for the Essential Skills for Personal Support Workers Exam. Access flashcards and multiple-choice questions, all with hints and explanations. Get exam-ready today!

The correct course of action when a Personal Support Worker (PSW) suspects that a client is being abused is to report their suspicions to the appropriate authorities. This approach is grounded in the responsibility of PSWs to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure their safety. By reporting the suspicions, the PSW helps initiate a formal investigation that can lead to the necessary interventions to protect the client.

PSWs are mandated reporters, meaning they have a legal and ethical obligation to report any suspicions of abuse or neglect. This ensures that trained professionals can assess the situation and take appropriate action. Reporting also helps to safeguard the client's rights and wellbeing, promoting a safer environment that can prevent further abuse.

Intervening directly with the abuser or confronting them might escalate the situation and put both the client and the PSW at risk. Ignoring the concerns is unethical and can lead to further harm to the client. Discussing the situation with the client’s family, while it may seem supportive, does not replace the need for a formal report and might unintentionally compromise confidentiality or safety.

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