PMC Safety, Contraindications & Precautions 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which condition is an ABSOLUTE contraindication to infant massage?
- Mild eczema on the forearm
- Active fever above 100.4°F (38°C) (Correct answer)
- Healed surgical scar (6+ months old)
- Mild muscle tightness in the neck
Correct answer: Active fever above 100.4°F (38°C)
Active fever is an absolute contraindication because massage increases circulation and can raise body temperature further, worsening the child's condition.
Question 2: A child with a diagnosed bleeding disorder such as hemophilia should receive massage only:
- Using deep tissue techniques
- With physician clearance and extremely light pressure (Correct answer)
- After clotting factor infusion and with no contraindications
- Not at all under any circumstances
Correct answer: With physician clearance and extremely light pressure
Children with bleeding disorders require physician clearance and only the lightest, most superficial techniques to prevent internal bleeding or bruising.
Question 3: Massage over a healing fracture site is contraindicated until:
- Pain subsides
- The cast is removed
- The bone is fully healed and physician clearance is obtained (Correct answer)
- 2 weeks post-injury
Correct answer: The bone is fully healed and physician clearance is obtained
Direct massage over a fracture site is contraindicated until the bone is fully healed and a physician gives clearance to avoid disrupting healing callus.
Question 4: Which skin condition requires a therapist to AVOID the affected area but does NOT contraindicate massage of other body regions?
- Meningitis rash
- Localized impetigo (Correct answer)
- Systemic lupus erythematosus flare
- Measles rash
Correct answer: Localized impetigo
Localized impetigo requires avoidance of the infected skin area, but massage of unaffected areas is permissible with appropriate hygiene precautions.
Question 5: Infant massage is contraindicated within how many hours of a vaccination injection at the injection site?
- 1 hour
- 6 hours
- 24 hours (Correct answer)
- 48 hours
Correct answer: 24 hours
Massage should be avoided at the vaccination injection site for at least 24 hours to prevent increased inflammation and potential vaccine dispersal.
Question 6: A child with uncontrolled epilepsy presents for massage. The therapist should:
- Proceed with a full session without changes
- Obtain physician clearance and have a seizure response plan in place (Correct answer)
- Refuse all treatment permanently
- Perform only craniosacral therapy
Correct answer: Obtain physician clearance and have a seizure response plan in place
Children with uncontrolled epilepsy require physician clearance and a documented emergency seizure response plan before any massage session.
PMC Safety, Contraindications & Precautions 1
Which condition is an ABSOLUTE contraindication to infant massage?