NCBTMB General 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client discloses they are taking warfarin (Coumadin). Which massage consideration is MOST important?
- Avoid all massage entirely
- Use lighter pressure to reduce bruising risk (Correct answer)
- Apply deep tissue techniques to improve circulation
- Focus only on the feet and hands
Correct answer: Use lighter pressure to reduce bruising risk
Warfarin is a blood thinner that increases bruising risk, so lighter pressure should be used to prevent hematomas.
Question 2: Which of the following BEST describes the role of the lymphatic system in the body?
- Transports oxygenated blood to tissues
- Returns excess interstitial fluid to the bloodstream (Correct answer)
- Produces red blood cells in bone marrow
- Regulates blood glucose levels
Correct answer: Returns excess interstitial fluid to the bloodstream
The lymphatic system collects excess interstitial fluid and returns it to the venous circulation, also playing a key role in immunity.
Question 3: A massage therapist notices a client has a fever of 101°F. What is the appropriate action?
- Perform a gentle relaxation massage
- Focus massage on the neck and shoulders only
- Postpone the session until the fever resolves (Correct answer)
- Apply cold packs and proceed with massage
Correct answer: Postpone the session until the fever resolves
Fever is a systemic contraindication because massage can spread infection and increase metabolic stress on an already taxed body.
Question 4: The brachial plexus originates from which spinal nerve roots?
- T1–T5
- C5–T1 (Correct answer)
- C1–C4
- L1–L4
Correct answer: C5–T1
The brachial plexus arises from cervical nerve roots C5 through T1 and innervates the upper extremity.
Question 5: Which massage technique involves compressing and releasing soft tissue rhythmically without gliding?
- Effleurage
- Friction
- Petrissage
- Compression (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Compression
Compression is a stationary pumping technique applied perpendicular to the tissue without any gliding movement.
Question 6: What does SOAP stand for in clinical documentation?
- Subject, Objective, Assessment, Plan (Correct answer)
- Symptoms, Observation, Action, Progress
- Subjective, Objective, Analysis, Procedure
- Session, Outcome, Anatomy, Protocol
Correct answer: Subject, Objective, Assessment, Plan
SOAP notes consist of Subjective (client report), Objective (therapist observations), Assessment (findings), and Plan (treatment goals).
Question 7: Which muscle is primarily responsible for dorsiflexion of the foot?
- Gastrocnemius
- Soleus
- Tibialis anterior (Correct answer)
- Peroneus longus
Correct answer: Tibialis anterior
The tibialis anterior is the primary dorsiflexor of the foot, lifting the toes upward toward the shin.
NCBTMB General 3
A client discloses they are taking warfarin (Coumadin).
Which massage consideration is MOST important?