AMTA Client Assessment and Treatment Planning 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In a SOAP note, where would you document the client's report of 'tension headaches three times per week'?
- O — Objective
- S — Subjective (Correct answer)
- A — Assessment
- P — Plan
Correct answer: S — Subjective
The Subjective section records what the client reports about their symptoms, history, and experience—information that cannot be directly measured.
Question 2: Which assessment technique involves applying pressure perpendicular to muscle fibers to identify taut bands?
- Percussion
- Cross-fiber palpation (Correct answer)
- Effleurage assessment
- Passive stretch assessment
Correct answer: Cross-fiber palpation
Cross-fiber palpation moves fingers perpendicular to muscle fibers to identify taut bands, nodules, and texture changes associated with dysfunction.
Question 3: A client with osteoporosis requires which modification to massage?
- Avoidance of all massage
- Lighter pressure and avoidance of heavy compressive techniques over affected bones (Correct answer)
- Increased pressure to stimulate bone density
- Exclusive use of tapotement only
Correct answer: Lighter pressure and avoidance of heavy compressive techniques over affected bones
Osteoporosis reduces bone density and increases fracture risk, requiring lighter pressure and avoidance of heavy compression over fragile structures.
Question 4: Which of the following conditions is a LOCAL contraindication requiring the therapist to avoid only the specific area?
- Fever
- Skin rash of unknown origin over one leg (Correct answer)
- Systemic infection
- Acute stage of cancer
Correct answer: Skin rash of unknown origin over one leg
A local rash of unknown origin is a local contraindication—massage can proceed on unaffected areas while the affected area is avoided.
Question 5: When planning treatment for a pregnant client in the second trimester, which position is MOST recommended?
- Prone with a flat table
- Supine with legs elevated
- Side-lying with appropriate bolstering (Correct answer)
- Seated upright only
Correct answer: Side-lying with appropriate bolstering
Side-lying position with adequate bolstering is safest for pregnant clients as it avoids uterine compression and aortic pressure associated with prone or supine positions.
Question 6: End feel during passive ROM testing refers to:
- The pain level reported at end range
- The quality of resistance felt at the limit of range of motion (Correct answer)
- The therapist's subjective assessment of the session
- The point at which the client requests the therapist to stop
Correct answer: The quality of resistance felt at the limit of range of motion
End feel is the quality of tissue resistance perceived by the therapist at the limit of passive ROM, helping classify normal vs. pathological joint restrictions.
AMTA Client Assessment and Treatment Planning 2
In a SOAP note, where would you document the client's report of 'tension headaches three times per week'?