Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination FREE MBLEx Test Pathology and Contraindications Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client presents with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the left calf. What is the most appropriate course of action for the massage therapist?
- Massage the affected leg gently to improve circulation
- Apply cold compresses to the area and continue the session
- Avoid massaging the affected limb entirely and refer the client to their physician (Correct answer)
- Perform cross-fiber friction on the calf to break up the clot
Correct answer: Avoid massaging the affected limb entirely and refer the client to their physician
DVT is an absolute contraindication for local massage because manipulation could dislodge the clot and cause a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
Question 2: Which condition is considered a local contraindication rather than an absolute contraindication for massage therapy?
- Fever over 101°F
- A small, stable varicose vein on the lower leg (Correct answer)
- Acute appendicitis
- Unstable hypertension
Correct answer: A small, stable varicose vein on the lower leg
A small, stable varicose vein is a local contraindication meaning the therapist should avoid direct pressure on that specific area but can still treat the rest of the body.
Question 3: A client has been diagnosed with osteoporosis. Which massage modification is most appropriate?
- Use deep tissue techniques to stimulate bone growth
- Apply light to moderate pressure and avoid joint mobilization (Correct answer)
- Refuse to treat the client until their condition resolves
- Focus exclusively on percussive techniques to increase bone density
Correct answer: Apply light to moderate pressure and avoid joint mobilization
Osteoporosis weakens bones significantly, so light to moderate pressure without aggressive joint manipulation reduces the risk of fracture.
Question 4: What is the primary reason massage is contraindicated during the acute phase of an inflammatory condition such as bursitis?
- Massage has no effect on inflamed tissues
- Massage may spread the inflammation and increase pain and tissue damage (Correct answer)
- The client will not be able to relax during treatment
- Insurance does not cover massage for inflammatory conditions
Correct answer: Massage may spread the inflammation and increase pain and tissue damage
During acute inflammation, massage can increase blood flow to the area, worsen swelling, and cause further tissue damage.
Question 5: A client taking anticoagulant medication such as warfarin requires which important modification to their massage session?
- No modifications are needed since the medication does not affect massage
- Use only deep tissue techniques to counteract blood thinning
- Reduce pressure significantly to prevent bruising and avoid techniques that could cause tissue damage (Correct answer)
- Increase session duration to allow the medication to be metabolized
Correct answer: Reduce pressure significantly to prevent bruising and avoid techniques that could cause tissue damage
Anticoagulant medications increase bleeding risk, so reduced pressure is essential to prevent bruising, hematoma, or internal bleeding.
Question 6: Which pathological condition would require a physician's clearance before a massage therapist can proceed with treatment?
- Tension headache
- Mild delayed-onset muscle soreness
- A recently diagnosed malignant tumor (Correct answer)
- A healed bone fracture from two years ago
Correct answer: A recently diagnosed malignant tumor
A malignant tumor requires physician clearance because massage could theoretically affect lymphatic flow and the client's overall treatment plan requires medical coordination.
Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination FREE MBLEx Test Pathology and Contraindications Questions and Answers 2
A client presents with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the left calf.
What is the most appropriate course of action for the massage therapist?