FREE MBLEx Test Pathology and Contraindications Questions and Answers

Question 1

A client presents with a highly contagious bacterial skin infection characterized by red sores that can break open, ooze fluid, and develop a yellow-brown crust.
Which of the following conditions is described, and what is the correct action for the massage therapist?

Accepted Answer

Impetigo; it is a systemic contraindication, and the session must be postponed.

Answer

Cellulitis; it is a local contraindication, so the therapist can work on other areas.

Answer

Psoriasis; it is not contagious, so massage is permitted with gentle pressure.

Answer

Eczema; it is an acute flare-up, so only light effleurage is indicated over the area.

Question 2

A client with rheumatoid arthritis arrives for their appointment during an acute inflammatory flare-up, with several joints appearing red, swollen, and painful. What is the most appropriate course of action for the therapist?

Accepted Answer

Postpone the massage until the acute flare-up has subsided.

Answer

Perform deep tissue massage on the affected joints to reduce stiffness.

Answer

Avoid the inflamed joints but proceed with a full-body massage on other areas.

Answer

Apply hot packs to the swollen joints before beginning a gentle massage.

Question 3

Which of the following conditions is considered an absolute contraindication for massage therapy due to the risk of dislodging a blood clot?

Accepted Answer

Thrombophlebitis

Answer

Varicose veins

Answer

Raynaud's syndrome

Answer

Hemophilia

Question 4

A client's intake form indicates they are undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. They report feeling very fatigued and have a port implanted in their upper chest. Which modification is essential for this session?

Accepted Answer

Avoiding the area around the port by a significant radius and using a lighter-than-normal pressure throughout the session.

Answer

Using deep, invigorating strokes to help combat the client's fatigue.

Answer

Focusing the massage primarily on the abdomen to aid in detoxification.

Answer

Insisting on a 90-minute session to provide the most benefit for their fatigue.

Question 5

A new client presents with bilateral pitting edema in their lower legs. When the therapist presses a finger into the swollen area, the indentation remains for several seconds. What is the appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Immediately refer the client to a physician for diagnosis before proceeding with any massage.

Answer

Perform manual lymphatic drainage to help reduce the fluid accumulation.

Answer

Proceed with the massage but avoid the edematous areas completely.

Answer

Apply firm, upward strokes to the legs to push the fluid toward the heart.

Question 6

Which of the following is a systemic contraindication for massage, meaning no massage should be performed at all?

Accepted Answer

A fever of 101.5°F

Answer

A small, localized patch of psoriasis

Answer

A healing scar from a surgery 6 months ago

Answer

An un-diagnosed lump on the forearm

A client presents with a highly contagious bacterial skin infection characterized by red sores that can break open, ooze fluid, and develop a yellow-brown crust.Which of the following conditions is described, and what is the correct action for the massage therapist?

A client presents with a highly contagious bacterial skin infection characterized by red sores that can break open, ooze fluid, and develop a yellow-brown crust.
Which of the following conditions is described, and what is the correct action for the massage therapist?