Special Populations and Treatment Adaptations Flashcards
7 cards from real NCBTMB practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Special Populations and Treatment Adaptations flashcards as text
A client with rheumatoid arthritis presents with actively inflamed joints during a flare-up. What is the appropriate course of action?
Answer: Avoid work on inflamed areas and consider rescheduling if the flare is widespread
Massaging actively inflamed joints during a flare-up can exacerbate inflammation and tissue damage; affected joints must be avoided or treatment rescheduled.
What special precaution applies when massaging a client with chronic kidney disease?
Answer: Use gentle pressure and monitor for signs of bruising or fluid retention
Kidney disease impairs fluid balance, can cause fragile capillaries, and reduces metabolic waste clearance, requiring gentle techniques and careful observation.
Which trauma-informed care principle is most critical when massaging a client with PTSD?
Answer: Ensuring the client has control and agency throughout the session
Trauma-informed care centers on empowerment, giving clients control over their experience to prevent re-traumatization and build therapeutic trust.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is considered an absolute contraindication for massage primarily because:
Answer: Massage could dislodge the clot, potentially causing fatal pulmonary embolism
A dislodged venous thrombus can travel through the vascular system to the lungs, causing pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening emergency.
A client who is 32 weeks pregnant requests a full Swedish massage. Which acupressure points should be avoided?
Answer: GB21 at the shoulder and SP6 at the medial ankle
GB21 and SP6 are among the acupressure points classically associated with stimulating uterine contractions and are therefore contraindicated during pregnancy.
How does aging affect skin integrity, and how should massage technique be adapted?
Answer: Aging reduces skin elasticity and collagen content, requiring lighter, gentler techniques
As collagen decreases and subcutaneous fat diminishes with age, skin becomes thinner, more fragile, and prone to tearing or bruising, necessitating reduced pressure.
A client taking warfarin (a blood thinner) requests a deep tissue massage. What is the primary concern?
Answer: Anticoagulant therapy significantly increases the risk of bruising and hematoma from excessive pressure
Anticoagulants impair normal clotting mechanisms, making clients susceptible to bruising and internal hematomas from pressure that would not harm clients with normal clotting function.