Safety Rules 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 Safety Rules flashcards as text
Which of the following best describes the 'first-trimester policy' adopted by many certified prenatal massage therapists?
Answer: Require physician clearance and use modified techniques due to elevated miscarriage risk
Most certified prenatal therapists require physician clearance in the first trimester and adapt techniques to accommodate the elevated miscarriage risk.
When a prenatal client complains of sudden sharp pain in the calf during a massage session, the therapist should:
Answer: Stop all massage immediately and refer the client for medical evaluation for DVT
Sudden calf pain during pregnancy is a red flag for DVT; the session must stop immediately and the client referred for urgent medical evaluation.
What is the maximum recommended temperature for a heated massage table or warm compress used on a pregnant client?
Answer: 100°F (37.8°C)
Temperatures at or below 100°F are considered safe to avoid raising core body temperature, which can harm fetal development.
Which of the following client statements during intake is a yellow flag (relative contraindication) requiring therapist modification rather than session cancellation?
Answer: I have mild sciatica that worsens when I lie on my left side
Mild sciatica is a relative contraindication that requires positioning modification, not session cancellation, unlike the other choices which are absolute contraindications.
According to standard prenatal massage protocols, how should a therapist approach the sacral area during the third trimester?
Answer: Use moderate, gentle pressure and avoid deep sacral work that may stimulate labor points
The sacral area contains acupressure points associated with labor induction, so moderate gentle pressure is used rather than deep or sustained pressure.
A client discloses she is taking prescribed anticoagulant medication (blood thinners) during her pregnancy. The safest massage approach is:
Answer: Obtain physician clearance and limit work to very light pressure techniques
Anticoagulant use significantly increases bruising and hemorrhage risk; physician clearance and light-pressure techniques are mandatory.
What documentation should a certified prenatal massage therapist maintain for each client to protect both client safety and professional liability?
Answer: Session notes, intake forms, health history updates, consent forms, and any physician clearances
Comprehensive records including session notes, updated health histories, signed consent, and physician clearances protect client safety and provide legal documentation.