Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Client Assessment and Planning 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client mentions they recently had a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in their right calf. What is the correct action?
- Massage only the left leg to be safe
- Avoid massage to the affected leg and refer to physician (Correct answer)
- Apply gentle effleurage to promote circulation in the clot
- Proceed normally since the DVT is being treated medically
Correct answer: Avoid massage to the affected leg and refer to physician
DVT is a systemic contraindication for massage to the affected limb because manual therapy could dislodge the clot and cause pulmonary embolism.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes the term 'contraindication' in massage therapy?
- A condition that makes massage more effective
- A condition or factor that makes a treatment inadvisable or unsafe (Correct answer)
- A client preference that alters the massage technique
- A legal requirement for documentation
Correct answer: A condition or factor that makes a treatment inadvisable or unsafe
A contraindication is any condition or circumstance where massage therapy is inadvisable because it could cause harm.
Question 3: A client rates their chronic low back pain as 7 out of 10 on the numeric pain scale before the session and 3 out of 10 after. This information belongs in which section of a SOAP note?
- Subjective (pre) and Assessment (post)
- Objective (pre) and Plan (post)
- Subjective (both pre and post) (Correct answer)
- Assessment (both pre and post)
Correct answer: Subjective (both pre and post)
Pain ratings reported by the client are subjective findings and belong in the 'S' (Subjective) section of the SOAP note, both before and after.
Question 4: When reviewing a client's intake form, the therapist notices the client has type 2 diabetes. Which assessment consideration is MOST important?
- Testing the client's blood glucose levels before massage
- Checking for skin integrity issues and peripheral neuropathy (Correct answer)
- Avoiding all work on the lower extremities
- Using only cold therapy techniques on the feet
Correct answer: Checking for skin integrity issues and peripheral neuropathy
Diabetes can cause peripheral neuropathy and poor wound healing, making skin integrity checks and careful pressure monitoring essential.
Question 5: A client with osteoporosis comes for massage. Which modification is MOST appropriate?
- Focus on deep tissue work to stimulate bone density
- Use lighter pressure and avoid joint compression techniques (Correct answer)
- Avoid all massage since bones are fragile
- Apply percussion techniques to stimulate bone remodeling
Correct answer: Use lighter pressure and avoid joint compression techniques
Osteoporosis increases fracture risk, so lighter pressure and avoidance of compression techniques are essential safety modifications.
Question 6: Which of the following is the BEST example of a measurable and specific treatment goal?
- Client wants to feel better after sessions
- Client will report reduced neck pain from 6/10 to 3/10 within four sessions (Correct answer)
- Therapist will use Swedish massage techniques throughout
- Client hopes to enjoy massage more regularly
Correct answer: Client will report reduced neck pain from 6/10 to 3/10 within four sessions
Effective treatment goals are specific and measurable, including a baseline, target outcome, and timeframe for achievement.
Question 7: A new client discloses they have a history of trauma and asks the therapist to avoid certain areas of the body. What should the therapist do?
- Explain that full-body massage is more therapeutic and proceed
- Document the client's preferences and strictly honor them throughout the session (Correct answer)
- Reassess mid-session and massage the avoided areas if the client seems relaxed
- Refer the client to a psychotherapist instead
Correct answer: Document the client's preferences and strictly honor them throughout the session
Trauma-informed care requires honoring the client's stated boundaries and documenting them to ensure consistent respect of their preferences.
Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Client Assessment and Planning 4
A client mentions they recently had a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in their right calf.
What is the correct action?