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Quiz Session - Attempts With Random Questions

AMTA MBLEx (English) Exam Questions

Page 6 of 50

101.

During an intake assessment, a client states that he is taking prednisone. The therapist knows this medication is an anti-inflammatory steroid. How, if at all, should she modify the massage?

  • Avoid creating inflammation and reduce the intensity of the massage.

  • Focus on creating controlled inflammation and increase the intensity of the massage.

  • Avoid lymphatic drainage techniques as these may overwhelm the system.

  • No modifications are needed.

Correct answer: Avoid creating inflammation and reduce the intensity of the massage.

When working with a client who takes anti-inflammatory drugs, such as NSAIDs or steroids, the therapist should avoid creating inflammation. These medications make may prevent the client from experiencing pain, which makes it possible for even controlled inflammation to cause unnecessary damage to the tissue.

These medications do not have a direct impact on the lymphatic system. 

102.

During an intake assessment, a client states that she is being treated by her physician for high blood pressure. The therapist obtains more information and learns the client is taking daily medication in order to manage her symptoms. What is the best action for the therapist to take?

  • The massage therapist should proceed with caution, modifying their techniques if the client reports feeling light-headed. 

  • The massage therapist should proceed with the massage as usual.

  • The massage therapist should refer the client to her physician for further assessment.

  • The massage therapist should proceed with caution, and immediately stop the massage if the client reports pain in the extremities.

Correct answer: The massage therapist should proceed with caution, modifying their techniques if the client reports feeling light-headed. 

When a person takes daily medication to manage high blood pressure, it is likely that they are taking blood thinners. Of course, the therapist should ask for the name of the medication to ascertain whether this is the case. If it is, then massage may increase the effects of the medication, causing light-headedness. If this happens, the therapist should modify their techniques and potentially stop the massage entirely. The therapist should also be prepared to help the client off the table after the massage in case they experience dizziness.

The massage therapist should not proceed with the massage as usual; the presence of blood thinners in the client's system warrants modifications. The client is already under a physician's care, and a referral is unnecessary. This specific condition will likely not cause pain in the client's extremities, although other conditions may have that effect. 

103.

When massaging a client with osteoporosis, the massage therapist must exercise caution during:

  • The use of compressive forces

  • The use of techniques that cause therapeutic inflammation

  • Scalp massage

  • Relaxation techniques

Correct answer: The use of compressive forces

When massaging a client with osteoporosis, the massage therapist must exercise caution during the use of compressive forces. Osteoporosis is a condition that often occurs in post-menopausal women. This condition entails a decrease in calcium and other minerals, resulting in fragile bones. These clients can sustain a fracture when compressive forces are applied to the bones, so it is imperative to avoid these techniques. 

The therapist can use relaxation techniques and techniques that cause therapeutic inflammation, as long as there is no element of compressive force.

Relaxation techniques are likewise appropriate. 

104.

A massage therapist writes a business plan and presents it to potential investors. Of the following options, which information should not be included?

  • The owner has two children.

  • The owner has worked as a massage therapist for 15 years.

  • The owner enjoys helping people in pain.

  • The owner has experience doing administrative work.

Correct answer: The owner has two children.

It is important to develop a business plan when working to open a new clinic/business. Many sections are included in a business plan, one of which is personal information. The number of children the proposed owner has is not relevant in the formal business plan and should not be included. Family size should certainly be considered when opening a new business, but it does not need to be formally documented or communicated to investors.

The owner's interest and experience in the industry are relevant subjects, and should definitely be included in the business plan.

105.

What is poliomyelitis?

  • A viral infection of the nerves that control skeletal muscles

  • The inflammation of the meninges

  • The progressive death of nerve cells

  • The rupture of blood vessels

Correct answer: A viral infection of the nerves that control skeletal muscles

Poliomyelitis is a result of a viral infection of the nerves that control skeletal muscle movement. Usually, this disease is simply called polio. Fortunately, the polio vaccine has significantly reduced and almost eliminated these cases in the United States. However, postpolio syndrome is still prevalent in individuals who had polio as a child.

Meningitis is caused by an inflammation of the meninges. Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the progressive death of nerve cells. A stroke is caused by the rupture of blood vessels.

106.

A massage benefits which system by relieving the inflammation of the tendons?

  • Muscular system

  • Cardiovascular system

  • Nervous system

  • Respiratory system

Correct answer: Muscular system

A massage benefits the muscular system by relieving the inflammation of the tendons. A massage also benefits the muscular system by stretching muscles, relieving muscle spasms, improving muscle tone, and promoting healing. The tendons are part of the muscular system; their primary function is connect muscles to bones.

A massage will benefit the cardiovascular system by improving circulation and the nervous system by releasing and balancing neurochemicals. To benefit the respiratory system, a massage can relax the muscles that control respiration and/or release phlegm from the lungs through tapotement.

107.

While slowly performing controlled ankle dorsiflexion, which muscle is eccentrically working?

  • Soleus

  • Gracilis

  • Tibialis anterior

  • Extensor hallucis longus

Correct answer: Soleus

Working concentrically, soleus is a prime mover in ankle plantar flexion. Eccentrically, this muscle controls ankle dorsiflexion. 

Ankle dorsiflexion is a concentric action of tibialis anterior; its eccentric actions are to control plantar flexion and eversion of the foot. Extensor hallucis longus concentrically extends the big toe, inverts the foot, and performs dorsiflexion at the ankle. Eccentrically, it controls flexion of the big toe and plantar flexion, not dorsiflexion. Gracilis does not cross the ankle and therefore has no effect on plantar flexion or dorsiflexion.

108.

Which of these options accurately describes the path blood takes through the heart?

  • Right atrium, right ventricle, lungs, left atrium, left ventricle, aorta

  • Left atrium, right ventricle, lungs, right atrium, right ventricle, aorta 

  • Right atrium, right ventricle, aorta, left atrium, right ventricle, lungs

  • Left ventricle, left atrium, lungs, right ventricle, right atrium, aorta 

Correct answer: Right atrium, right ventricle, lungs, left atrium, left ventricle, aorta

The blood moves in and out of the heart in a well-coordinated and precise rhythm. After bringing oxygen to the body, the blood travels back to the heart, through the lungs (where it is oxygenated again), and back out to the body. This is the path it takes during this process, in greater detail:

Body > Vena cava > Right Atrium (RA) > Tricuspid valve > Right Ventricle (RV) > Pulmonic valve > Pulmonary arteries > Lungs > Pulmonary vein > Left Atrium (LA) > Mitral valve > Left Ventricle (LV) > Aortic valve > Aorta > Body

109.

During an initial appointment with a new client, a massage therapist performs a gait assessment. This assessment is least likely to reveal which of the following?

  • Trigger points in the sternocleidomastoid

  • Torn meniscus in the knee

  • Contracture of the rectus femoris

  • Trigger points in the piriformis

Correct answer: Trigger points in the sternocleidomastoid

Of the available options, a gait assessment is least likely to reveal trigger points in the sternocleidomastoid. In some cases, the therapist may be able to observe neck pain during a gait assessment, but this is not the most accurate way to test for pathology of the cervical muscles. 

A torn meniscus in the knee, contracture of the rectus femoris, or trigger points in the piriformis would probably be readily apparent, since all of these structures are directly involved in the act of walking.

110.

Of the following options, which is a goal of HIPAA regulations?

  • Privacy

  • Reimbursement

  • Credentialing

  • Billing

Correct answer: Privacy

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1996. It requires that patient health care information be formatted in a particular way, and it protects the privacy and security of patient information. The privacy requirements can be broken down into three types: privacy standards, patient's rights, and administrative requirements.

111.

A massage therapist begins seeing a client who has Parkinson's disease. The client takes regular medication for this condition. Given this, what is a potential effect of massage for this client?

  • Excessive drowsiness

  • Dizziness

  • Inability to relax

  • Bruising

Correct answer: Excessive drowsiness

This client is taking medication to correct the chemical imbalance of dopamine in their brain. For clients taking these types of drugs, massage often causes excessive drowsiness. It is important for a massage therapist to work under a doctor's supervision when treating clients with Parkinson's.

Dizziness is a potential effect of massage for clients taking a variety of medications, including beta-blockers and anti-hypertensives. Bruising is especially relevant when working with patients on anticoagulants (blood thinners). Clients using central nervous system medications may have a hard time relaxing; however, this is not a direct result of massage.

112.

Where is the coracoid process found?

  • The scapula

  • The femur

  • The atlas

  • The humerus

Correct answer: The scapula

The coracoid process is a small hook-like structure on the superior aspect of the scapula. It stabilizes the shoulder joint with the acromion, it is an attachment point for the pectoralis minor muscle, and it connects with the acromion via ligament to stabilize the shoulder. 

While there are other skeletal processes, the coracoid process only occurs on the scapula. The femur is a large bone found in the thigh. The atlas, or C1, is the vertebra at the top of the spine, directly inferior to the skull. The humerus is found in the arm.

113.

What are the three most common goals of outcome-based massage?

  • Healing and rehabilitation, condition management, palliative care

  • Healing, relaxation, stress reduction

  • Pain relief, palliative care, hospice care

  • Diagnosis, treatment, outcome

Correct answer: Healing and rehabilitation, condition management, palliative care

The three most common goals of outcome-based massage are:

  1. Healing and rehabilitation: Healing and rehabilitation-oriented massage works toward a measurable goal
  2. Condition management: Condition management recognizes that a chronic condition will never go away entirely, but massage may help lessen or manage symptoms
  3. Palliative care: Palliative care is performed on patients near the end of their lives, and is purely for relaxation and comfort

Relaxation massage is not out-come based. Palliative care and hospice care are synonymous. Diagnosis is outside a massage therapist's scope of practice.

114.

Where are the adrenal glands located?

  • The superior aspects of the kidneys

  • The lateral aspects of the thyroid

  • Deep within the brain

  • Within the pelvis

Correct answer: The superior aspects of the kidneys.

The adrenal glands are located on the superior aspects (tops) of the kidneys. The kidneys are in the abdomen.

The parathyroid glands are located on the lateral aspects of the thyroid. The pineal gland is located deep within the brain. In the female reproductive system, the ovaries are located within the pelvis. 

115.

Which layer of the skin acts as the insulation for the body?

  • Subcutaneous tissue

  • Epidermis

  • Dermis

  • Hair follicles

Correct answer: Subcutaneous tissue

The skin is made up of three layers: epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. The subcutaneous tissue attaches the dermis to the underlying structures. It is made up of fatty adipose tissue and acts as insulation for the body.

The epidermis is the most superficial layer of skin tissue. It contains no nerves or blood vessels and is made up of 20–30 layers of flat, keratin-filled dead cells that are continually shed and replaced by deeper layers of tissue. The dermis is deep to the epidermis and superficial to the subcutaneous tissue. The dermis is much thicker than the epidermis and provides much of the structure and strength of the skin. Individual hair follicles are located within the skin.

116.

What is the term used to describe an artery that has a bulge on its wall?

  • Aneurysm

  • Arrhythmia

  • Embolism

  • Phlebitis

Correct answer: Aneurysm

When an artery has a bulge on its wall, it is known as an aneurysm. It is an abnormal widening of the arterial wall, which tends to form thrombi and burst. Individuals report a pulsating bulge and pressure with accompanying pain. This condition requires immediate medical attention.

Arrhythmia is the term used to describe an irregular heartbeat. Embolism is the term used to describe a clot that obstructs a blood vessel. Phlebitis is the term used to describe the inflammation of a vein, which is usually caused by inactivity or obesity.

117.

Which of the following conditions is not considered a degenerative condition?

  • Bursitis

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Osteoporosis

  • Muscular dystrophy

Correct answer: Bursitis

Bursitis is an inflammatory condition of the skeletal system. It is an inflammation of a bursa, typically associated with overuse or rubbing over the bursa.

Muscular dystrophy, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis are all considered degenerative conditions. Degenerative conditions are those that cause continuous deterioration or destruction of soft tissue structures.

118.

Which two events occur during relaxed exhalation?

  • Pleural cavity pressure increases, diaphragm relaxes

  • Pleural cavity pressure decreases, diaphragm contracts

  • Pleural cavity pressure remains the same, diaphragm moves up

  • Pleural cavity pressure increases, diaphragm remains stationary

Correct answer: Pleural cavity pressure increases, diaphragm relaxes

During exhalation, the pleural cavity pressure increases, working as a bellows to expel air from the lungs through the nose and mouth. The diaphragm relaxes to its resting state which is a dome shape against the lungs. This decreases the volume of the pleural cavity and assists with exhalation.

During inhalation, the pressure in the lungs decreases secondary to contraction of the external intercostals, and the diaphragm flattens out (contraction) to increase lung volume. The only time pressure between the lungs and outside the body is equal is right before taking a breath. It is the changes and differences in pressure that allow for the airflow needed in breathing.

119.

Within what range is gratuity acceptable for a massage therapist?

  • 10-20%

  • 50-60%

  • 70-80%

  • 30-40%

Correct answer: 10–20%

Gratuity (tip) is acceptable if it is within the range given to other service providers, which is generally 10-20%. The massage therapist must exercise caution in accepting excessive gifts or gifts in which something else is expected in return (i.e., referrals). 

The ranges in the other answer choices are generally considered too high for service providers and should not be expected.

120.

What is the periosteum?

  • The dense, fibrous sheath of connective tissue that covers bones

  • The process of smooth muscle contraction

  • A thin membrane of connective tissue lining the cavity of a bone

  • The tough, flexible connective tissue within a joint

Correct answer: The dense, fibrous sheath of connective tissue that covers bones

The periosteum is a dense, fibrous sheath of connective tissue covering a bone. When stretched, it provides mechanoreceptor information about the location of a joint.

Peristalsis is the process of smooth muscle contraction. The endosteum is a thin membrane of connective tissue lining the cavity of a bone. Cartilage is the tough, flexible, connective tissue within a joint.

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