If a patient is at minimal risk, what is expected of psychologists during assessment?

When a patient is identified as being at minimal risk, psychologists are still expected to adhere to ethical practices in assessment. This entails being thorough, transparent, and respectful in their approach while ensuring that the assessment process respects the dignity and welfare of the patient. Ethical standards guide psychologists to use validated tools and practices, to consider cultural and individual factors when interpreting results, and to maintain the integrity of the psychological evaluation process regardless of the risk level involved.

By adhering to ethical practices, psychologists also reinforce the trust in the therapeutic relationship and contribute to effective and meaningful assessments, even when the patient is at minimal risk. This focus on ethical standards promotes accountability and ensures that psychologists maintain a high level of professionalism and care in their work.

The other options do not align with professional standards. Ignoring risks could lead to harmful consequences, prioritizing test security over patient welfare compromises the integrity of the assessment, and relying solely on clinical judgment without standardized measures can result in biases or errors in evaluation. Thus, the correct approach centers on maintaining ethical practices to uphold the well-being of the patient and the validity of the assessment.