Safety Rules Flashcards
7 cards from real PMC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Safety Rules flashcards as text
Which of the following is considered an absolute contraindication for prenatal massage during any trimester?
Answer: Placenta previa
Placenta previa is an absolute contraindication because massage could trigger hemorrhage or premature labor.
When a pregnant client arrives and reports sudden severe headache and visual disturbances, what is the appropriate therapist response?
Answer: Discontinue session and refer to emergency care immediately
Sudden severe headache with visual changes are warning signs of preeclampsia requiring immediate emergency referral.
How should a therapist position a client who is 28 weeks pregnant and reports dizziness when lying supine?
Answer: Place a wedge under the right hip to tilt left
Left lateral tilt with a wedge under the right hip relieves aortocaval compression and prevents supine hypotensive syndrome.
Which lymphatic area must be avoided during deep tissue massage in pregnancy due to risk of dislodging blood clots?
Answer: Inner thigh and popliteal fossa
The inner thigh and popliteal fossa carry increased DVT risk in pregnancy; deep work there could dislodge a thrombus.
A prenatal massage therapist notices significant pitting edema in both ankles accompanied by protein in urine (as reported by client). The correct action is to:
Answer: Postpone session and advise client to contact her OB immediately
Pitting edema with proteinuria is a sign of preeclampsia; the session must be postponed and the client referred to her OB urgently.
At what angle should the table be inclined for a semi-reclined supine position to be safe during the third trimester?
Answer: 30–45 degrees
A 30–45 degree incline keeps the uterus off the vena cava while still allowing therapeutic work on the anterior body.
Which condition requires physician clearance before a prenatal massage session may proceed?
Answer: Current high-risk pregnancy with monitoring
A currently high-risk pregnancy requires written physician clearance because complications may be directly worsened by massage.