Free MBLEx Test Pathology and Contraindications Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client presents with a highly contagious bacterial skin infection characterized by red sores that can break open, ooze fluid, and develop a yellow-brown crust. Which of the following conditions is described, and what is the correct action for the massage therapist?
- Cellulitis; it is a local contraindication, so the therapist can work on other areas.
- Psoriasis; it is not contagious, so massage is permitted with gentle pressure.
- Impetigo; it is a systemic contraindication, and the session must be postponed. (Correct answer)
- Eczema; it is an acute flare-up, so only light effleurage is indicated over the area.
Correct answer: Impetigo; it is a systemic contraindication, and the session must be postponed.
The condition described is impetigo, a highly contagious bacterial skin infection. Due to its contagious nature, massage is systemically contraindicated to prevent spreading the infection to other parts of the client's body, to the therapist, or to subsequent clients. [3, 5, 7]
Question 2: A client with rheumatoid arthritis arrives for their appointment during an acute inflammatory flare-up, with several joints appearing red, swollen, and painful. What is the most appropriate course of action for the therapist?
- Perform deep tissue massage on the affected joints to reduce stiffness.
- Avoid the inflamed joints but proceed with a full-body massage on other areas.
- Postpone the massage until the acute flare-up has subsided. (Correct answer)
- Apply hot packs to the swollen joints before beginning a gentle massage.
Correct answer: Postpone the massage until the acute flare-up has subsided.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory condition. During an acute flare-up, massage is contraindicated as it can exacerbate the inflammation and pain. [1, 8, 12] It is safest to postpone the session until the client is in a period of remission.
Question 3: Which of the following conditions is considered an absolute contraindication for massage therapy due to the risk of dislodging a blood clot?
- Varicose veins
- Raynaud's syndrome
- Thrombophlebitis (Correct answer)
- Hemophilia
Correct answer: Thrombophlebitis
Thrombophlebitis is the inflammation of a vein with clot formation. Massage is absolutely contraindicated because of the significant risk of dislodging the clot (embolus), which could travel to the lungs, heart, or brain, causing a life-threatening event like a pulmonary embolism. [4, 8, 21]
Question 4: A client's intake form indicates they are undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. They report feeling very fatigued and have a port implanted in their upper chest. Which modification is essential for this session?
- Using deep, invigorating strokes to help combat the client's fatigue.
- Avoiding the area around the port by a significant radius and using a lighter-than-normal pressure throughout the session. (Correct answer)
- Focusing the massage primarily on the abdomen to aid in detoxification.
- Insisting on a 90-minute session to provide the most benefit for their fatigue.
Correct answer: Avoiding the area around the port by a significant radius and using a lighter-than-normal pressure throughout the session.
For clients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, massage must be modified for safety. Lighter pressure is necessary due to potential side effects like low blood counts or bone fragility. A significant area around any medical device, such as a chemotherapy port, must be avoided to prevent dislodgement or irritation. [25, 29, 31]
Question 5: A new client presents with bilateral pitting edema in their lower legs. When the therapist presses a finger into the swollen area, the indentation remains for several seconds. What is the appropriate action?
- Perform manual lymphatic drainage to help reduce the fluid accumulation.
- Proceed with the massage but avoid the edematous areas completely.
- Immediately refer the client to a physician for diagnosis before proceeding with any massage. (Correct answer)
- Apply firm, upward strokes to the legs to push the fluid toward the heart.
Correct answer: Immediately refer the client to a physician for diagnosis before proceeding with any massage.
Pitting edema can be a sign of serious underlying systemic conditions, such as congestive heart failure, kidney failure, or liver failure. [17, 20] It is an absolute contraindication for massage without a medical diagnosis. The therapist must refer the client to a physician to determine the cause before any bodywork is performed.
Question 6: Which of the following is a systemic contraindication for massage, meaning no massage should be performed at all?
- A small, localized patch of psoriasis
- A healing scar from a surgery 6 months ago
- A fever of 101.5°F (Correct answer)
- An un-diagnosed lump on the forearm
Correct answer: A fever of 101.5°F
A fever is a sign of a systemic infection or illness. [5, 6, 7] Massage increases circulation, which can potentially spread the infection and overburden the body, which is already working hard to fight the illness. Therefore, a fever is an absolute, systemic contraindication for massage.
Free MBLEx Test Pathology and Contraindications Questions and Answers
A client presents with a highly contagious bacterial skin infection characterized by red sores that can break open, ooze fluid, and develop a yellow-brown crust.
Which of the following conditions is described, and what is the correct action for the massage therapist?