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
When performing massage on a client with a pacemaker, the therapist should:
Answer: Avoid strong vibration or percussion near the device site
Strong vibration or percussion near an implanted pacemaker can potentially interfere with the device's function.
A client with fibromyalgia reports widespread pain rated 7/10. Which approach is MOST appropriate?
Answer: Light-to-moderate pressure with client feedback throughout
Fibromyalgia clients are hypersensitive to pain, so light-to-moderate pressure with ongoing feedback prevents post-massage flare-ups.
A client with multiple sclerosis (MS) reports heat sensitivity. The therapist should:
Answer: Keep the room cool and avoid hot packs or hydrotherapy
Heat can temporarily worsen MS symptoms by slowing nerve conduction, so a cool environment and avoiding thermotherapy is essential.
When working with a client who has a known latex allergy, the massage therapist must:
Answer: Use latex-free gloves and ensure all equipment is latex-free
Using latex-free gloves and equipment prevents allergic reactions ranging from contact dermatitis to anaphylaxis.
A postpartum client 3 weeks after cesarean section requests abdominal massage. The therapist should:
Answer: Obtain medical clearance before working near the incision site
A healing cesarean incision requires medical clearance before any local abdominal massage to avoid disrupting tissue repair.
A client with peripheral neuropathy in both feet has reduced sensation. The therapist's PRIMARY concern during foot massage is:
Answer: Risk of injury due to the client's inability to accurately report pain or pressure
Reduced sensation impairs protective pain feedback, so the therapist must rely on objective tissue assessment rather than client pain reports.
When adapting massage for a client with severe rheumatoid arthritis during a flare-up, the therapist should:
Answer: Avoid the inflamed joints and focus on surrounding musculature with gentle techniques
During a flare-up, inflamed joints are contraindicated for direct massage, but gentle work on surrounding muscles can provide comfort.