Safety, Contraindications & Precautions Flashcards

Before beginning massage on a pediatric client, which document is REQUIRED from a parent or legal guardian?

Answer: Informed consent and health history intake form

Informed consent from a parent or legal guardian along with a complete health history intake is legally and ethically required before treating any minor.

A child with Down syndrome may present with atlantoaxial instability, which requires the therapist to:

Answer: Avoid cervical flexion and obtain physician clearance for neck work

Atlantoaxial instability in children with Down syndrome means excessive cervical flexion can compress the spinal cord; physician clearance and avoidance of cervical flexion are essential.

Essential oils should generally be avoided in children under what age without specific pediatric aromatherapy training?

Answer: 2 years

Essential oils are generally considered unsafe for children under 2 years due to immature liver detoxification and high skin absorption; specialist guidance is required.

What condition requires the therapist to avoid all vigorous percussion or tapotement over the chest in a child?

Answer: Asthma with active bronchospasm

Active bronchospasm during an asthma attack can be worsened by chest percussion, making vigorous tapotement contraindicated during acute episodes.

A therapist notices unexplained bruising in multiple stages of healing on a child's body. The appropriate action is to:

Answer: Document observations and follow mandatory reporting protocols

Massage therapists are mandated reporters in most US states; unexplained bruising in various stages is a red flag for abuse requiring immediate documentation and reporting.

Massage is locally contraindicated over a child's open wound, skin infection, or rash because of the risk of:

Answer: Cross-contamination and spreading infection

Massaging over open wounds or infections can spread pathogens to other body areas or to the therapist, posing a serious cross-contamination risk.