Client Assessment and Planning Flashcards
7 cards from real Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Client Assessment and Planning flashcards as text
A client reports sharp, shooting pain that radiates down their left arm. What is the most appropriate action for the massage therapist?
Answer: Refer the client to a physician immediately
Radiating arm pain, especially on the left side, can indicate a cardiac event and requires immediate physician referral.
When performing a postural assessment, a therapist notices the client's right shoulder is elevated compared to the left. This finding most likely suggests:
Answer: Possible muscle imbalance or tension in the upper trapezius
An elevated shoulder often indicates hypertonicity or muscle imbalance in the upper trapezius and related muscles on that side.
Which of the following best describes the purpose of the intake form in massage therapy practice?
Answer: To collect health history and identify contraindications and precautions
The intake form collects health history information used to identify contraindications, precautions, and tailor the session to client needs.
A client describes their pain as 'burning and tingling' along a specific nerve pathway. This type of pain is most accurately described as:
Answer: Neuropathic pain
Burning and tingling sensations following a nerve pathway are characteristic of neuropathic pain originating from nerve irritation or damage.
During a client interview, the therapist asks, 'Can you show me where it hurts?' This is an example of which type of assessment technique?
Answer: Pain mapping
Asking a client to indicate the location of pain is a pain mapping technique used to identify the area and pattern of discomfort.
A client with fibromyalgia books a massage. Which assessment consideration is MOST important for planning this session?
Answer: Determining the client's pain sensitivity and pressure tolerance
Fibromyalgia involves widespread pain sensitivity, making pressure tolerance assessment critical for determining appropriate massage depth.
Which of the following is a LOCAL contraindication for massage therapy?
Answer: Active herpes outbreak on the lip
An active herpes outbreak is a local contraindication, meaning massage should avoid that specific area but can proceed elsewhere.