Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination MBLEx Test Pathology and Contraindications 1

Question 1

A client arrives for a massage and mentions they are currently undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Which approach is most appropriate for the massage therapist?

Accepted Answer

Obtain physician clearance and modify pressure, avoiding treatment sites and compromised areas

Answer

Clients undergoing chemotherapy require physician clearance and significant modifications including reduced pressure, avoidance of treatment sites, and attention to immunocompromised status. Massage can still be beneficial but must be adapted to the client's current condition and tolerance.

Question 2

A client reports a recent diagnosis of uncontrolled hypertension with a resting blood pressure of 180/110 mmHg. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Refer the client to their physician before providing massage and reschedule

Answer

Uncontrolled hypertension at this severity (stage 2) is a systemic contraindication requiring medical clearance before massage. Massage can influence blood pressure and could pose a risk to a client with dangerously elevated, unmanaged hypertension.

Question 3

Which of the following skin conditions represents a local contraindication requiring the therapist to avoid only the affected area rather than canceling the entire session?

Accepted Answer

A small area of psoriasis on the client's elbow

Answer

A localized patch of psoriasis is a local contraindication — the therapist should avoid massaging the affected skin directly but can safely work the rest of the body. Systemic diseases in active flare, widespread infectious lesions, and severe vascular conditions affecting large regions require broader precautions.

Question 4

A client with type 1 diabetes asks about massage. Which precaution is most important for the therapist to implement?

Accepted Answer

Check for peripheral neuropathy and avoid deep pressure on insensate areas

Answer

Peripheral neuropathy is common in diabetes and reduces the client's ability to provide accurate pressure feedback. The therapist must assess sensation, use lighter pressure on affected areas, and monitor for skin integrity issues. Massage is not contraindicated for diabetes but requires informed modifications.

Question 5

A massage therapist notices that a client's lower leg is significantly swollen, warm to the touch, and reddened compared to the other leg, and the client mentions pain with dorsiflexion. What should the therapist do?

Accepted Answer

Immediately stop the session and refer the client for emergency medical evaluation

Answer

The signs described — unilateral swelling, warmth, redness, and pain with dorsiflexion (Homan's sign) — are classic indicators of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Massaging over a suspected DVT can dislodge the clot, causing a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism. The session must stop and the client must seek immediate medical care.

Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Practice Test

Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Practice Test

Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination MBLEx Test Pathology and Contraindications 1