Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination MBLEx Pathology and Contraindications 1

Question 1

A client discloses they are currently undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer and their oncologist has cleared them for massage. Which approach is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Provide gentle, light-pressure massage while avoiding the treatment site and any ports or catheters

Answer

Perform full deep tissue massage as requested by the client

Answer

Decline to work with the client until chemotherapy is fully completed

Answer

Focus exclusively on the feet and hands using reflexology techniques

Question 2

Which of the following skin conditions would be considered an absolute contraindication, requiring the therapist to avoid massage entirely on the affected area and surrounding tissue?

Accepted Answer

Impetigo presenting with oozing, crusted lesions on the forearm

Answer

Mild psoriasis with dry, scaly plaques on the elbows

Answer

A healed surgical scar from an appendectomy performed two years ago

Answer

Mild contact dermatitis on the back of the hand

Question 3

A client reports a recent diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis currently in an acute flare. What is the most appropriate therapist response?

Accepted Answer

Postpone massage on the acutely inflamed joints but provide gentle, systemic relaxation massage to uninvolved areas

Answer

Proceed with deep tissue work to break up adhesions around the inflamed joints

Answer

Avoid massage entirely until the client provides a physician's note

Answer

Apply heat packs to the inflamed joints before performing standard massage

Question 4

Which of the following conditions is characterized by abnormal cell growth forming a thrombus that can break loose and travel to the lungs, making massage a systemic contraindication?

Accepted Answer

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Answer

Varicose veins

Answer

Lymphedema

Answer

Raynaud's phenomenon

Question 5

A client has type 1 diabetes and mentions they have reduced sensation in both feet. What is the primary concern that should guide the therapist's approach to the lower extremities?

Accepted Answer

Risk of undetected tissue damage due to neuropathy impairing the client's pain feedback

Answer

Increased risk of hypoglycemia triggered by massage-induced stress hormones

Answer

Contraindication for any work below the knee due to circulatory insufficiency

Answer

Likelihood of edema formation in the feet requiring lymphatic drainage only

Question 6

Which condition involves a backward displacement of the uterus and would require the massage therapist to modify positioning but does NOT constitute an absolute contraindication to massage?

Accepted Answer

Retroversion of the uterus

Answer

Placenta previa in the third trimester

Answer

Preeclampsia with severe hypertension

Answer

Ectopic pregnancy