Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination FREE MBLEx Test Pathology and Contraindications Questions and Answers 3

Question 1

A client with fibromyalgia reports a flare-up with widespread pain and fatigue. What is the best approach for the massage therapist?

Accepted Answer

Use gentle, lighter pressure techniques and shorter session duration based on client tolerance

Answer

Cancel the session entirely since fibromyalgia is an absolute contraindication

Answer

Perform deep tissue work to release chronic muscle tension

Answer

Apply aggressive stretching to increase range of motion

Question 2

Which skin condition would be considered a local contraindication requiring the therapist to avoid the affected area?

Accepted Answer

An active herpes simplex outbreak on the lip

Answer

A well-healed surgical scar from five years ago

Answer

Mild sunburn on the entire back

Answer

A small tattoo on the forearm

Question 3

A client presents with undiagnosed severe abdominal pain radiating to the back. What should the massage therapist do?

Accepted Answer

Refer the client for medical evaluation before providing massage

Answer

Massage the abdomen to relieve the pain

Answer

Proceed with the session but avoid the abdominal area

Answer

Apply heat packs to the abdomen to reduce discomfort

Question 4

Which of the following is a systemic contraindication that would require postponing a massage session entirely?

Accepted Answer

A client experiencing an acute fever of 102°F with body aches

Answer

A client with a healing bruise on the forearm

Answer

A client with chronic low back pain

Answer

A client with mild seasonal allergies

Question 5

A client with peripheral neuropathy in both feet reports they cannot feel light touch below the ankles. Why is this significant for massage treatment?

Accepted Answer

The therapist should avoid working on the feet or use only very light techniques because the client cannot provide accurate pain feedback

Answer

The therapist should use extra deep pressure on the feet since the client cannot feel it

Answer

The therapist should focus exclusively on the feet to restore sensation

Answer

Peripheral neuropathy has no impact on massage treatment planning

Question 6

What is the primary concern when performing massage on a client who has recently undergone radiation therapy in a specific body region?

Accepted Answer

The irradiated skin and underlying tissues may be fragile, inflamed, or hypersensitive and require avoidance or extremely gentle treatment

Answer

Radiation makes muscles permanently rigid and unmassageable

Answer

Radiation eliminates all benefits of massage therapy

Answer

There are no concerns as radiation therapy does not affect soft tissue