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Quiz Session - Attempts With Random Questions

AMTA MBLEx (English) Exam Questions

Page 10 of 50

181.

A client comes to a massage therapist with the primary complaint of stiffness and tightness in the shoulders and neck. This pain has been present for years. Sessions have included manual stretching, compression, and kneading. After six visits, the client states her symptoms improve during each session, but the pain returns within an hour after treatment.

What could the therapist do to improve this most effectively?

  • Contract-relax of the upper trapezius, progressive relaxation program

  • Refer to another health care provider for a different approach

  • Percussion and friction mobilization of the upper trapezius

  • Effleurage and circulation massage

Correct answer: Contract-relax of the upper trapezius, progressive relaxation program

Reports of stiffness or tightness in the neck are commonly a result of posture, which is a direct result of the client's habits on a daily basis. To make a more meaningful change, it would be more effective to utilize contraction, stretching, and muscle release. One effective technique to achieve this is contract-relax. The therapist might also perform progressive relaxation (asking the client to contract a specific muscle followed by total relaxation of that muscle). 

Since the client does improve with techniques, it would still be appropriate to continue treating her, but a different technique or approach should be employed. Percussion would stimulate the muscle rather than relax it, and friction mobilization would start a small inflammatory response and likely not result in muscle relaxation or relief of tightness. Effleurage may affect the tension in a muscle, but circulation massage would place more focus on improved circulation to the area. While this is not a poor choice, the use of contract-relax techniques would be the most effective.

182.

What type of immunity is obtained after an individual has had a specific disease?

  • Acquired immunity

  • Allergy

  • Antibody

  • Acquired immunodeficiency

Correct answer: Acquired immunity

Acquired immunity is resistance to a specific disease developed by people who have acquired the disease. The body is able to build up antibodies to the specific antigen related to that disease.

An allergy is a state of hypersensitivity to a particular substance with an overreaction of the immune system. An antibody is an immune protein produced by the body in response to a specific antigen. Acquired immunodeficiency is a group of symptoms caused by the transmission of a virus that causes a breakdown in the immune system (such as AIDS).

183.

A person's knee is positioned in full extension, in which the joint capsule and ligaments surrounding the knee are taut. What is this position called?

  • Close-packed

  • Loose-packed

  • Closed

  • Least-packed

Correct answer: Close-packed

In a close-packed (or locked) position, all the surfaces of the bones in a synovial joint fit together with maximum contact. This usually occurs at the extreme end of ROM, where the joint surfaces are compressed. At this point, the joint has the least possible movement and therefore achieves its greatest possible stability.

In a loose-packed (or unlocked) position there is little contact between the surface area of bones in a synovial joint. This position allows for some movement. 

In a least-packed position, the joint capsule of a synovial joint is at its most lax. Joints tend to assume this position when experiencing inflammation because it accommodates an increased volume of synovial fluid. 

Closed is not a term used to describe joint positioning.

184.

Infections can be spread through all of the following except:

  • Touching a sterile surface

  • Food

  • Through invasion of a weakened immune system

  • Airborne particles

Correct answer: Touching a sterile surface 

By definition, a sterile surface is free of pathogenic organisms. These surfaces are typically present in operating rooms. Touching a sterile surface will not cause an infection. 

Infections can be transmitted many ways including by coming into contact with a contaminated object (food, water, soil, door handles, etc.). Infections can also occur when a pathogenic organism comes into contact with an individual with a weakened immune system, or when individuals come into contact with another person with a disease.

185.

Only light pressure should be used when applying massage techniques to all the following areas, except:

  • Gluteus medius at its origin

  • Ulnar nerve

  • Inferior to the ear

  • Posterior cervical area

Correct answer: Gluteus medius at its origin

The gluteus medius originates on the dorsal ilium, which is not considered an endangerment site. There are no major nerves or arteries near the surface of the skin in this area. Endangerment sites are areas of the body where certain massage techniques may injure the underlying anatomical structures (such as nerves, blood vessels, or internal organs). 

The ulnar nerve, posterior cervical region, and inferior to the ear are all examples of endangerment sites in which a therapist should exercise extreme caution.

The ulnar nerve is relatively superficial at the elbow, and very easy to injure. It is commonly known as the "funny bone."

The external carotid artery, styloid process, and facial nerve are all located inferior to the ear.

The spinous processes and the cervical plexus are located in the posterior cervical region.

186.

Which of the following are examples of Eastern medicine techniques?

  • Ayurveda, polarity therapy, jing luo

  • Muscle energy techniques, polarity therapy, jing luo

  • Acupuncture, jing luo, myofascial techniques

  • Ayurveda, yoga, tai chi

Correct answer: Ayurveda, polarity therapy, jing luo

Ayurveda, polarity therapy, and jing luo are all examples of Eastern medicine techniques. These complex modalities require extensive study.

Muscle energy techniques and myofascial techniques employ the principles of Western medicine.

Yoga and tai chi are not massage modalities.

187.

Of the following options, which is not a goal of general massage?

  • To release trigger points in the back

  • To stimulate all sensory receptors

  • To touch all layers of tissue

  • To move all major joints of the body

Correct answer: To release trigger points in the back

There are many goals of general massage, including the stimulation of all sensory receptors, touching all layers of tissue, and moving all major joints of the body. Each client is different, and therefore each massage is different, and so the goals of a particular massage should be tailored to meet the client's unique needs. 

In some cases, the goal of massage may be to release trigger points in the back. However, general massage does not always have this goal.

188.

Which of the following would be the most beneficial to implement in a clinic in order for massage therapists to improve their clinical skills?

  • Self-written assessment of current strengths and weaknesses

  • Monthly performance reviews

  • Productivity bonuses

  • High client volume

Correct answer: Self-written assessment of current strengths and weaknesses 

Regular self-reflection is an important part of any career. It is beneficial for massage therapists to take the time to reflect on their work, considering their strengths and growth areas. This may inform which continuing education the therapist chooses to take, thus improving their clinical skills. 

Monthly performance reviews may or may not facilitate the improvement of a therapist's skills. Often, this practice simply promotes rule-following instead of inspiring the therapist to seek further education. Productivity bonuses encourage a therapist to see more clients, increasing client volume and revenue, but this does not incentivize clinical improvement. On the contrary, it may contribute to therapist burnout.

189.

Which plane of the body divides the body into left and right sections?

  • Sagittal

  • Diagonal

  • Transverse

  • Coronal/frontal

Correct answer: Sagittal 

The sagittal plane of the body divides the body into left and right sections.

The diagonal plane of the body is not a commonly used term. The transverse plane divides the body into superior and inferior sections. The coronal (or frontal) plane divides the body into anterior and posterior sections.

190.

What type of joint movement is being performed when the client participates by moving and contracting the involved muscles, without assistance from the massage therapist?

  • Active

  • Active assisted

  • Passive

  • Resistive

Correct answer: Active

Active joint movements are performed by the client moving and contracting the involved muscles.

Active assisted joint movements are when the massage therapist assists the client with performing the motion. Resistive joint movements are when the client resists movement. Passive joint movements are performed by the massage therapist with the client relaxed.

191.

Which of the following techniques should be avoided when treating a trigger point?

  • Lymphatic drainage

  • Hyperstimulation of the involved muscle and connective tissue

  • Massage to the area of referred pain

  • Stretching

Correct answer: Lymphatic drainage

Lymphatic drainage is not a recommended technique for addressing trigger points. This method is primarily used to treat conditions affecting the immune and lymphatic systems, such as lymphedema. Trigger points, on the other hand, are best treated using techniques that directly address muscle tension, which is not the focus of lymphatic drainage.

Hyperstimulation of the involved muscle and connective tissue is commonly used to deactivate trigger points by applying sustained pressure to release the tight muscle fibers. Massage to the area of referred pain helps alleviate tension that may have spread to secondary areas, and stretching helps to reduce muscle tightness further and restore flexibility after the trigger point is released.

192.

Which of the following results from the irritation of the median nerve?

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

  • Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS)

  • Bell's Palsy

  • Fibromyalgia

Correct answer: Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome results from the irritation of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel of the wrist. The symptoms of this disease include pain, numbness, and/or tingling in the palm, thumb, index finger, and half of the middle finger. 

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) results from the compression or irritation of various structures as they exit the thorax and pass through the shoulder. These structures may include nerves and/or blood vessels, and in this condition they are most often compressed by the surrounding muscles. TOS is easily distinguished from carpal tunnel syndrome in two ways: first, the pain begins in the shoulder and travels down the arm, instead of originating in the wrist. Second, it usually causes symptoms in half of the middle finger, the ring finger, and the pinkie finger, and not the index finger or the thumb. 

Bell's palsy is characterized by the paralysis of certain facial muscles, caused by inflammation or injury of the seventh cranial nerve.

Fibromyalgia is a condition with symptoms of widespread pain, persistent fatigue, and multiple tender points. The cause of fibromyalgia is not well understood.

193.

If a person has a blockage in the urethra, what would they have difficulty doing?

  • Urinating

  • Defecating

  • Vomiting

  • Sweating

Correct answer: Urinating

Urination is the process of expelling urine from the body. The urethra is a tube that transports urine from the bladder to outside the body. A blockage here would cause an inability or significant difficulty with urination.

The rectum, not the urethra, is responsible for defecation. Vomiting involves the stomach and esophagus. Sweating occurs on the epidermis.

194.

A client is a stroke survivor and comes to a massage therapist to reduce pain levels in his neck and shoulder. The client's strength in his biceps brachii is rated at 3/5. What is the most difficult type of movement that this client is still able to perform?

  • Elbow flexion while in a sitting position (against gravity) without anything in his hand

  • Elbow flexion while standing (against gravity) with a 1-pound weight in his hand

  • Elbow flexion while in standing (against gravity) with a 5-pound weight in his hand

  • Elbow flexion while in a side-lying position (not against gravity) with a 5-pound weight in his hand

Correct answer: Elbow flexion in a sitting position (against gravity) without anything in his hand

The strength rating is based on the Medical Research Council grading scale. On this scale, muscle strength is graded between 0 and 5, with 0 being no muscle contraction whatsoever, and 5 being completely normal strength. In this case, the client is able to move the elbow against gravity without any extra resistance (nothing in his hand). Since the question indicated this had to be the most challenging movement the client could perform, this would place the client at a grade 3/5. 

Being able to move the elbow against gravity with moderate or heavy resistance (1- or 5-pound weight) indicates a strength score of 4 or 5. While this client could perform side-lying elbow flexion possibly with a 5-pound weight, this is not the most challenging option.

195.

A client reports pain in her neck when she looks up at the sky. Which movement term describes this motion?

  • Neck extension

  • Neck flexion

  • Neck rotation

  • Neck lateral flexion

Correct answer: Neck extension

Neck extension describes the motion of looking at something above the head. Extension occurs with an increase in the angle between two bones and is a sagittal plane movement. This movement occurs in the posterior direction.

Neck flexion, the opposite of neck extension, describes the motion of looking down. This movement occurs in the sagittal plane. Neck lateral flexion, tilting the head to either side, occurs in the frontal (coronal) plane. Neck rotation, turning the head as if to look left or right, occurs in the transverse (horizontal) plane, around a vertical axis.

196.

A client comes to the clinic with a history of deep vein thromboses (DVTs). She recently was on a long flight, and now reports calf pain. The therapist notices the client's calf is red, swollen, warm, and tender to touch. What is the best next step for the therapist?

  • Stop the massage and instruct the client to immediately go to her doctor's office.

  • Stop the massage, send the client home, and instruct her to call her doctor if the pain does not reduce in several days.

  • Stop the massage and call 911.

  • Continue with the massage but avoid the calf area.

Correct answer: Stop the massage and instruct the client to immediately go to her doctor's office.

Since the client has a history of DVTs and is now experiencing calf pain along with swelling, redness, and tenderness, this is cause for concern of a new DVT. Another red flag is that the client has recently spent a long time sitting (long plane flight) since DVTs are more likely to occur with inactivity. This could quickly be a medical emergency if the thrombus dislodges and travels to the heart or lungs. To avoid this, the client should see her doctor immediately. Massage is contraindicated when a client has a DVT or a risk of DVT.

It is not necessary at this point to call 911; however, if the patient suddenly began having trouble breathing or began experiencing severe chest pain, then a 911 call would be appropriate. These symptoms are too urgent to send the client home and allow her to wait several days before seeing her doctor.

197.

In which plane does the motion of abduction occur?

  • Frontal (or coronal) plane

  • Sagittal plane

  • Transverse plane

  • Vertical plane

Correct answer: Frontal (or coronal) plane

Abduction and adduction are frontal (or coronal) plane movements. The frontal plane runs vertically and divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.

Flexion and extension are sagittal plane movements. Left and right rotation involve partial turning or pivoting of the axial body part in an arc around a central axis (to the left or right), and occur in the transverse plane. Protraction and retraction are transverse (or horizontal) plane movements.

198.

When working with clients, a massage therapist frequently speaks about the ineffectiveness of another massage therapist's treatment. This second therapist works at a different clinic. What principle for ethical behavior did the first massage therapist violate?

  • Respect

  • Veracity

  • Beneficence

  • Nonmaleficence

Correct answer: Respect 

This therapist is showing blatant disrespect for another therapist. All massage therapists must show respect for clients, coworkers, and other professionals they come in contact with. Even if the second therapist has not been as effective in treatment, this should not be discussed with clients. Every massage therapist must follow eight principles that guide ethical professional behavior:

  1. Respect: Esteem and regard for clients, colleagues, and oneself.
  2. Client autonomy and self-determination: The client's freedom to decide for themselves, and their right to have sufficient information to give informed consent.
  3. Veracity: The right to objective truth.
  4. Proportionality: The principle that the benefit must outweigh the burden of treatment.
  5. Nonmaleficence: The principle that massage therapists will do no harm and prevent harm from happening.
  6. Beneficence: The principle that treatment should contribute to the client's well-being.
  7. Confidentiality: Respect for the privacy of information.
  8. Justice: Equality.

199.

Under the direction of a physician, a massage therapist sees a client who bruises so easily, it is essential to use extremely light pressure. What is this client's diagnosis?

  • Hemophilia

  • Anemia

  • Pneumonia

  • Sciatica

Correct answer: Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a blood clotting disorder of the cardiovascular system. A client with this condition is unable to form blood clots. As a result, they will likely bruise easily and may experience spontaneous bleeding. The massage therapist should work under the direction of a physician and utilize extremely light and gentle techniques.

Anemia is a disorder of low red blood cell or hemoglobin counts in the blood.

Pneumonia is a respiratory infection.

Sciatica is characterized by pain located along the sciatic nerve.

200.

When a business arrangement is set up between two or more massage therapists as equal owners, what is it known as?

  • A partnership

  • A sole proprietorship

  • An independent contract

  • A corporation

Correct answer: A partnership

When an equal business arrangement is set up between two or more massage therapists, it is known as a partnership.

An independent contractor is one who works as a self-employed therapist, but contracts positions within another facility. (However, the term "independent contract" is not generally used.)

When one person owns a business, they are called a sole proprietor.

A corporation is a business that has stockholders.

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