When a client's wife calls seeking information about her husband's issues, how should the social worker respond?

In the context of confidentiality and professional ethics, the best response to the wife's inquiry is to decline to discuss any specifics regarding her husband's treatment. Social workers are bound by ethical guidelines that prioritize client confidentiality, meaning they cannot share information without the client's consent.

While probing the wife's reasons for her inquiry could provide useful context, it still does not facilitate the sharing of her husband's personal information. Instead, directing the wife to the appropriate channels or resources while maintaining the husband's confidentiality aligns with best practices. This approach fosters trust in the therapeutic process and adheres to ethical obligations to protect clients' privacy.

Therefore, the correct course of action is to refrain from discussing any specific details about the husband’s treatment, ensuring that the social worker upholds the ethical standards of practice.