Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination MBLEx Test Client Assessment and Treatment Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client reports sharp pain at a 7/10 intensity in the right shoulder during active abduction beyond 90 degrees. Which assessment finding does this most likely indicate?
- Supraspinatus tendon impingement (Correct answer)
- Biceps tendinitis
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Lateral epicondylitis
Correct answer: Supraspinatus tendon impingement
Pain during active abduction beyond 90 degrees is a hallmark sign of supraspinatus impingement in the subacromial space.
Question 2: During a postural assessment, a massage therapist notices the client's right shoulder is significantly higher than the left. What is the most appropriate next step?
- Assess for possible scoliosis or muscular imbalance (Correct answer)
- Immediately refer the client to an orthopedic surgeon
- Begin deep tissue work on the elevated shoulder
- Apply ice to the higher shoulder before treatment
Correct answer: Assess for possible scoliosis or muscular imbalance
An elevated shoulder warrants further assessment for underlying scoliosis or muscular imbalances before determining a treatment approach.
Question 3: A client with chronic low back pain has been cleared by their physician for massage therapy. Which assessment technique is most appropriate to identify specific areas of muscular tension?
- Palpation of the lumbar paraspinal muscles (Correct answer)
- Performing a straight leg raise test
- Checking deep tendon reflexes
- Measuring leg length discrepancy with a tape measure
Correct answer: Palpation of the lumbar paraspinal muscles
Palpation is the primary hands-on assessment tool massage therapists use to locate areas of muscular tension, trigger points, and tissue changes.
Question 4: When developing a treatment plan for a client with tension headaches, which muscle group should be prioritized in the assessment?
- Suboccipital muscles and upper trapezius (Correct answer)
- Quadriceps and hamstrings
- Gluteus maximus and piriformis
- Tibialis anterior and peroneals
Correct answer: Suboccipital muscles and upper trapezius
Tension headaches are commonly associated with hypertonicity of the suboccipital muscles and upper trapezius, making them the priority for assessment.
Question 5: A client presents with numbness and tingling in the fourth and fifth digits of the hand. Which treatment area should the therapist focus on during assessment?
- Cubital tunnel and ulnar nerve pathway (Correct answer)
- Carpal tunnel and median nerve
- Radial tunnel and radial nerve
- Thoracic outlet and brachial plexus
Correct answer: Cubital tunnel and ulnar nerve pathway
Numbness in the fourth and fifth digits corresponds to ulnar nerve distribution, indicating potential compression at the cubital tunnel.
Question 6: A returning client reports that their hip pain improved after the last session but returned within two days. What is the most appropriate clinical response?
- Reassess the hip, review the treatment plan, and consider modifying the approach (Correct answer)
- Repeat the exact same treatment since it provided temporary relief
- Discontinue massage and refer to a physician immediately
- Increase pressure significantly to achieve longer-lasting results
Correct answer: Reassess the hip, review the treatment plan, and consider modifying the approach
When temporary improvement occurs, reassessment and treatment plan modification are appropriate to achieve more lasting results.
Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination MBLEx Test Client Assessment and Treatment Questions and Answers 2
A client reports sharp pain at a 7/10 intensity in the right shoulder during active abduction beyond 90 degrees.
Which assessment finding does this most likely indicate?