Client Assessment and Planning Flashcards

A client with Type 1 diabetes arrives for a massage and mentions their blood sugar is currently at 55 mg/dL. The therapist should:

Answer: Postpone the massage and advise the client to address their hypoglycemia first

A blood glucose of 55 mg/dL indicates hypoglycemia, which is a medical concern that must be addressed before any massage treatment.

During gait analysis as part of a client assessment, you notice the client's left foot externally rotates excessively. This may indicate tightness in which muscle group?

Answer: Hip external rotators such as the piriformis

Excessive external rotation of the foot during gait often reflects shortening or hypertonia of the hip external rotators, including the piriformis.

A client discloses a history of sexual abuse during the intake. The most appropriate therapist response is:

Answer: Acknowledge the disclosure, adjust draping and boundaries as needed, and let the client guide comfort levels

Trauma-informed care requires acknowledging the client's disclosure and empowering them with control over boundaries and comfort during the session.

When re-assessing a client after 4 treatment sessions, the therapist finds no measurable improvement in the client's chief complaint. The BEST next step is:

Answer: Revise the treatment plan and consider referring to another healthcare provider

Lack of measurable progress after multiple sessions warrants a treatment plan revision and possible referral to ensure the client receives appropriate care.

Which of the following findings during a range-of-motion assessment would suggest a joint capsule restriction rather than a muscular restriction?

Answer: A hard end-feel with restriction in all planes of movement

A hard, capsular end-feel with restriction in all planes is characteristic of joint capsule involvement, such as adhesive capsulitis.

A client presents with a recent burn (3 days old) on their forearm from a cooking accident. The appropriate assessment and planning decision is:

Answer: Identify the burn as a local contraindication and avoid the affected area entirely

A recent burn is a local contraindication — the damaged tissue is vulnerable to further injury, infection, and must not be massaged.

A client reports pain that worsens with rest and is not relieved by position changes. This pattern of pain is most likely to suggest:

Answer: A possible systemic or pathological condition requiring medical referral

Pain that is constant, worsens at rest, and is unaffected by position can be a red flag for systemic disease or pathology requiring physician evaluation.