PMC Safety Rules 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is considered an absolute contraindication for prenatal massage during any trimester?
- Placenta previa (Correct answer)
- Mild lower back pain
- Swollen ankles
- First trimester fatigue
Correct answer: Placenta previa
Placenta previa is an absolute contraindication because massage could trigger hemorrhage or premature labor.
Question 2: When a pregnant client arrives and reports sudden severe headache and visual disturbances, what is the appropriate therapist response?
- Perform only light Swedish strokes
- Discontinue session and refer to emergency care immediately (Correct answer)
- Avoid the head and neck and continue
- Reduce pressure and continue the session
Correct answer: Discontinue session and refer to emergency care immediately
Sudden severe headache with visual changes are warning signs of preeclampsia requiring immediate emergency referral.
Question 3: How should a therapist position a client who is 28 weeks pregnant and reports dizziness when lying supine?
- Place a wedge under the right hip to tilt left (Correct answer)
- Elevate the feet above the heart
- Have the client remain seated throughout
- Place a pillow under the neck only
Correct 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.
Question 4: Which lymphatic area must be avoided during deep tissue massage in pregnancy due to risk of dislodging blood clots?
- Gluteal region
- Inner thigh and popliteal fossa (Correct answer)
- Lateral calf
- Plantar surface of the foot
Correct 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.
Question 5: 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:
- Perform lymphatic drainage only
- Avoid ankles and proceed with back massage
- Postpone session and advise client to contact her OB immediately (Correct answer)
- Apply cold compresses and continue
Correct 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.
Question 6: At what angle should the table be inclined for a semi-reclined supine position to be safe during the third trimester?
- 5–10 degrees
- 15–20 degrees
- 30–45 degrees (Correct answer)
- 60–75 degrees
Correct 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.
Question 7: Which condition requires physician clearance before a prenatal massage session may proceed?
- Round ligament pain
- History of miscarriage in a prior pregnancy
- Current high-risk pregnancy with monitoring (Correct answer)
- Mild first-trimester morning sickness
Correct answer: Current high-risk pregnancy with monitoring
A currently high-risk pregnancy requires written physician clearance because complications may be directly worsened by massage.
PMC Safety Rules 2
Which of the following is considered an absolute contraindication for prenatal massage during any trimester?