Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination 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 lower leg. What is the most appropriate course of action for the massage therapist?
- Massage the affected leg with light pressure
- Apply cold compresses and massage around the area
- Refer the client to their physician and avoid massaging the affected limb (Correct answer)
- Elevate the leg and perform effleurage distally
Correct answer: Refer the client to their physician and avoid massaging the affected limb
DVT is an absolute contraindication for massage on the affected limb due to the risk of dislodging the clot and causing a pulmonary embolism.
Question 2: Which condition is classified as a local contraindication rather than an absolute contraindication for massage?
- Fever over 101°F
- A small bruise on the forearm (Correct answer)
- Acute pneumonia
- Unstable hypertension
Correct answer: A small bruise on the forearm
A bruise is a local contraindication, meaning the therapist should avoid the specific area but may massage other parts of the body safely.
Question 3: A client diagnosed with osteoporosis requests deep tissue massage. What should the therapist consider?
- Deep tissue work is safe for all osteoporosis clients
- Pressure must be modified due to increased risk of fracture (Correct answer)
- Osteoporosis has no impact on massage technique selection
- Only the spine needs pressure modification
Correct answer: Pressure must be modified due to increased risk of fracture
Osteoporosis weakens bones and increases fracture risk, so therapists must reduce pressure and avoid aggressive techniques on all affected areas.
Question 4: Which of the following is a systemic inflammatory autoimmune condition that may require medical clearance before massage?
- Plantar fasciitis
- Rheumatoid arthritis (Correct answer)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Lateral epicondylitis
Correct answer: Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation and may flare unpredictably, requiring physician approval before treatment.
Question 5: What is the primary concern when massaging a client who is taking anticoagulant medications?
- Increased risk of muscle spasm
- Decreased range of motion
- Increased risk of bruising and bleeding (Correct answer)
- Reduced effectiveness of the medication
Correct answer: Increased risk of bruising and bleeding
Anticoagulant medications thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising or internal bleeding from even moderate massage pressure.
Question 6: A client reports they were recently diagnosed with Bell's palsy. Which statement about this condition is most accurate?
- It is caused by a bacterial infection of the facial muscles
- It involves temporary paralysis of one side of the face due to cranial nerve VII dysfunction (Correct answer)
- It is a permanent condition that prevents all facial massage
- It results from damage to the trigeminal nerve
Correct answer: It involves temporary paralysis of one side of the face due to cranial nerve VII dysfunction
Bell's palsy is an idiopathic condition affecting cranial nerve VII (facial nerve), causing temporary unilateral facial paralysis.
Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination MBLEx Test Pathology and Contraindications Questions and Answers 2
A client presents with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower leg.
What is the most appropriate course of action for the massage therapist?