If you notice a discrepancy between a client's stated preferences and the care plan, what should you do?

If you notice a discrepancy between a client's stated preferences and the care plan, what should you do?

• A. Ignore it
• B. Discuss with the client only and not inform staff
• C. Report to the supervisor or health team
• D. Change the care plan yourself

Answer: (C)

When a client’s stated preferences don’t match the care plan, the proper step is to escalate the situation to the supervisor or health team so the plan can be reviewed and aligned with the client’s wishes. As a PSS, you support and implement professionals’ plans, not modify them on your own. You should listen to the client to understand their preferences and document what’s changed, but the actual adjustment to the plan comes from the supervisory or medical team after informed discussion with the client. If there’s any immediate safety concern, escalate without delay. Ignoring the issue isn’t acceptable because it risks violating the client’s autonomy and safety. Discussing with the client alone and not informing staff leaves the team out of the loop and unable to ensure the plan is appropriate or legally sound. Changing the care plan yourself bypasses professional oversight and could lead to unsafe or inappropriate care.

When a client’s stated preferences don’t match the care plan, the proper step is to escalate the situation to the supervisor or health team so the plan can be reviewed and aligned with the client’s wishes. As a PSS, you support and implement professionals’ plans, not modify them on your own. You should listen to the client to understand their preferences and document what’s changed, but the actual adjustment to the plan comes from the supervisory or medical team after informed discussion with the client. If there’s any immediate safety concern, escalate without delay.

Ignoring the issue isn’t acceptable because it risks violating the client’s autonomy and safety. Discussing with the client alone and not informing staff leaves the team out of the loop and unable to ensure the plan is appropriate or legally sound. Changing the care plan yourself bypasses professional oversight and could lead to unsafe or inappropriate care.