Contraindications & Risk Factors Flashcards
7 cards from real PMC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Contraindications & Risk Factors flashcards as text
A client at 28 weeks presents with sudden severe headache, visual disturbances, and swollen hands. Which condition does this suggest, and what should the therapist do?
Answer: Refer immediately to her healthcare provider and do not massage
Sudden severe headache, visual changes, and rapid edema are warning signs of preeclampsia, an absolute contraindication requiring immediate medical referral.
Placenta previa is a contraindication primarily because prenatal massage could:
Answer: Cause uterine contractions leading to placental separation and hemorrhage
In placenta previa the placenta covers the cervical os, and stimulating uterine contractions through massage risks placental abruption and life-threatening bleeding.
A client discloses she has been diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). How should this affect the massage plan?
Answer: Work within normal prenatal guidelines but monitor for neuropathy and circulation changes
GDM is a relative consideration rather than an absolute contraindication; the therapist should adapt by checking for peripheral neuropathy and circulatory complications.
Which of the following describes an absolute contraindication for prenatal massage?
Answer: Active vaginal bleeding of unknown origin
Active vaginal bleeding of unknown origin is an absolute contraindication because massage could worsen the underlying cause and endanger mother and fetus.
A therapist notices significant pitting edema in one leg only of a third-trimester client. The appropriate response is to:
Answer: Avoid massaging that leg and refer for deep vein thrombosis evaluation
Unilateral pitting edema is a DVT red flag; massaging an active clot could dislodge it and cause a pulmonary embolism.
Cervical incompetence (insufficiency) in a current pregnancy is considered:
Answer: An absolute contraindication because stimulation may induce early labor
Cervical incompetence means the cervix cannot hold the pregnancy to term, making any massage that stimulates uterine contractions potentially catastrophic.
When a prenatal massage client has a history of recurrent miscarriages, the safest approach during the first trimester is to:
Answer: Obtain written medical clearance before performing any massage
A history of recurrent miscarriages places the client in a higher-risk category; written medical clearance ensures the provider agrees massage is appropriate at this stage.