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Quiz Session - Attempts With Random Questions

AMTA MBLEx (English) Exam Questions

Page 7 of 50

121.

A massage therapist is standing at the corner of the massage table closest to the client's right shoulder while they apply pressure to the trapezius. In order to maintain proper body mechanics, how should the therapist's back and joints of their shoulder and arm be positioned?

  • Straight; stacked in a straight line

  • Relaxed; stacked in a straight line

  • Straight; flexed

  • Turned to the right; extended in a straight line

Correct answer: Straight; stacked in a straight line

A massage therapist is standing at the corner of the massage table closest to the client's right shoulder while they apply pressure to the trapezius. In order to maintain proper body mechanics, the therapist's back should be straight and the joints of their shoulder and arm should be stacked in a straight line. The four principles of body mechanics are weight transfer, perpendicularity, stacking the joints, and keeping the back straight.

The core muscles should be engaged in order to protect the spine, not relaxed. The arm should be straight, not flexed.

Some degree of shoulder flexion is necessary, but joint stacking is of the utmost importance.

The therapist should face directly forward instead of twisting their spine to face the client. In order to achieve this, they may have to shift the positioning of their feet.

122.

Which of the following is not an example of a common ethical dilemma in the health care profession?

  • Client has a friend with neck pain and suggests they book a session with the massage therapist

  • Client offers the massage therapist tickets to an event

  • Client tips the massage therapist more than 100% of the cost of the massage

  • Client is consistently late to sessions

Correct answer: Client has a friend with neck pain and suggests they book a session with the massage therapist

It is ethical for massage therapists to accept referrals from current and former clients. As long as the therapist only provides services within their scope of practice, this is an excellent way to grow one's business.

Accepting gifts from the client may be an example of transference or countertransference; this becomes a dilemma when the therapist and client maintain a dual relationship.

If the client offers to tip more than the cost of the session, they may or may not be making an implied request for unethical services.

If a client is consistently late to sessions, the massage therapist must decide how to handle the situation in a way that respects that client, the clients they have booked for the rest of the day, and the value of their own work.

123.

In what way are the left and right lungs different?

  • The right lung has three lobes (upper, middle, and lower). The left lung only has two (upper and lower).

  • The right lung is responsible for inhalation. The left lung is responsible for exhalation.

  • The right lung has three lobes (anterior, posterior, and medial). The left lung only has two (anterior and medial).

  • The left lung has three lobes (upper, middle, and lower). The right lung only has two (upper and lower).

Correct answer: The right lung has three lobes (upper, middle, and lower). The left lung only has two (upper and lower).

The lungs are not symmetrical. The right lung has three lobes: the upper lobe, middle lobe, and lower lobe. The left lung only has upper and lower lobes. The heart sits between these two lobes on the left side.

Barring pathology, the right and left lungs are equally responsible for both inhalation and exhalation. The lobes of the lung might be described as follows: the upper (or superior) lobe; the middle lobe, and the lower (or inferior) lobe. The lobes are neither anterior nor posterior to each other. The right lung is larger than the left lung.

124.

Which of the following options best defines phagocytosis?

  • The process in which solids are engulfed by the cell membrane

  • The stages of blood cell development that take place in red marrow

  • The process in which water is diffused through a semipermeable membrane

  • The process in which a substance moves from a higher to a lower concentration

Correct answer: The process in which solids are engulfed by the cell membrane

Phagocytosis is the process in which solids are engulfed by the cell membrane. It is a function of white blood cells, in which macrophages (a type of cell) engulf bacteria in a cell-eating process. This is an important function of the body's immune system in the process of fighting infection. 

Hematopoiesis refers to the stages of blood cell development that take place in red marrow. Osmosis is the process in which water is diffused through a semipermeable membrane. Diffusion is the process in which a substance moves from a higher to a lower concentration.

125.

A client comes to you with difficulty bending forward toward the floor from the waist. What plane of movement is this patient having difficulty with?

  • Sagittal plane

  • Transverse plane

  • Frontal plane

  • Rotational plane

Correct answer: Sagittal plane

The sagittal plane divides the body into left and right portions. Any movement that occurs along this plane, such as flexion or extension, is considered to take place within it. The movement of bending forward to pick up an object from the floor requires trunk flexion; therefore it occurs in the sagittal plane. 

The transverse plane divides the body horizontally into two parts. Movement in this plane is typically rotation. The frontal (or coronal) plane divides the body vertically into anterior and posterior parts. Movement in this plane is typically abduction and adduction. The rotational plane is not a commonly used term.

126.

What term describes the knowledge base and parameters of practice for a profession?

  • Scope of practice

  • Consent

  • Continuing education

  • Direct access

Correct answer: Scope of practice

The scope of practice is the knowledge base and practice parameters of a profession. A massage therapist must understand the scope of practice for their profession and for other professionals. A massage therapist must not fall into a situation that would be misunderstood as practicing medicine.

127.

You are working with a client with neck pain and notice significant tightness in the soft tissue at the base of the skull and the anterior/lateral portion of the neck. The client notes to you that she also has recently been having some difficulty with her breathing. What is most likely occurring?

  • Cervical plexus impingement

  • Lumbar plexus impingement

  • Brachial artery compression

  • Carotid artery compression

Correct answer: Cervical plexus impingement

The upper four cervical nerves form the cervical plexus; this group of nerves includes the phrenic nerve, which very important in breathing. Taut tissue, fluid increases, and shortened soft tissue can all cause impingement of these nerves. The most common muscles to impinge on this plexus are the suboccipitals and sternocleidomastoids. Therefore, a client with difficulty breathing, neck pain, and tightness in the suboccipitals and sternocleidomastoids is likely to have impingement of the cervical plexus. 

The lumbar plexus is located in the low back and would not cause upper body impairments. The carotid artery is located in the anterior neck just lateral to the trachea, and compression here would cause syncope (passing out). The brachial artery travels through the axilla and into the upper extremity. It would not be compressed in the areas noted and would instead cause loss of sensation in the upper extremity.

128.

When working with a particularly challenging client, a massage therapist finds, after the first few sessions, little progress has been made. The client's condition is one that the therapist has some experience with. What is the best course of action for the massage therapist?

  • Speak with coworkers for assistance.

  • Continue treating the client in the same way, and hope they will improve over time.

  • Refer the client to another massage therapist.

  • Refer the client to another health care provider.

Correct answer: Speak with coworkers for assistance

A good massage therapist should be comfortable asking for help when they need it. When dealing with an especially challenging client, the first step is to seek professional advice from colleagues. This can be done without sharing any identifying information about the client, and therefore respecting HIPAA regulations.

Continuing treatment in the same way is unlikely to have different results. It may take some time to notice a difference, but it is still best for a therapist to seek out advice from more experienced colleagues. Referring the client to another massage therapist is not appropriate yet; however, if one emerges that is especially experienced with a type of technique for a specific condition, then this may be appropriate. Referral to another provider is not needed yet. If the client continues to show no improvement with changes to treatment, then this may become necessary.

129.

What do researchers use to gather and analyze objective data about a particular idea in order to test its validity?

  • The scientific method

  • A hypothesis

  • Internet research

  • Research literacy

Correct answer: The scientific method

Researchers use the scientific method to gather and analyze objective data about a particular idea in order to test its validity. The scientific method is a means of objectively researching a concept to determine whether it is valid. Information is gathered and analyzed and then used to develop particular applications. 

A hypothesis is the starting point of research and based on the statement "If this happens, then that will happen."

Research literacy is the knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes needed for personal and professional decision-making.

An internet search is not a valid form of research for evidenced-based practice unless the clinician utilizes appropriate sources.

130.

Which formula is used to calculate net income?

  • Gross income minus expenses

  • Gross income plus expenses

  • Savings minus expenses

  • Savings plus expenses

Correct answer: Gross income minus expenses

The formula used to figure net income is gross income minus expenses. Income consists of client fees, retail sales, and any other money received during regular business operations. Expenses consist of rent, electricity, telephone, water, advertising, office supplies, linen service, credit card charges, taxes/fees, and any other money spent during business operations. 

131.

A therapist is having difficulty palpating the supraspinatus. What would be the most helpful?

  • Resist the client's movement into shoulder abduction

  • Press more firmly to reach the muscle belly

  • The supraspinatus is located too deep and cannot be palpated

  • Resist the client's movement into shoulder medial rotation

Correct answer: Resist the client's movement into shoulder abduction

A muscle can be palpated much more easily while it is contracting against resistance. The supraspinatus is involved in shoulder abduction, so resisted shoulder abduction would make the muscle more discernable. 

Resisting the client into shoulder medial rotation would make the medial rotators of the shoulder more discernable, most notably the subscapularis, not the supraspinatus. Sometimes, pressing more firmly is indicated, but the massage therapist should focus on palpating with accuracy, not simply pressing harder. Also, the supraspinatus is a superficial muscle, especially as it nears the shoulder, so pressing more firmly would not be the most advantageous.

132.

Which joint is most likely to sustain an injury secondary due to its design for greater mobility?

  • Shoulder

  • Sternoclavicular

  • Knee

  • Elbow

Correct answer: Shoulder

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. In ball-and-socket joints, one bone ends in a spherical head and the other has a round socket. This formation allows free movement in many directions around a central point. The glenohumeral joint in the shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. Ball-and-socket joints allow for the greatest mobility of any joint. With this great mobility comes reduced stability, and therefore an increased risk of injury.

Both the knee and elbow are hinge joints. In a hinge joint, the cylindrical end of one bone fits into the trough-shaped surface of another. This structure acts like a door hinge, allowing for flexion and extension in just one plane. They are more stable than ball-and-socket joints and are, therefore, less likely to be injured. 

The sternoclavicular joint is located at the articulation of the sternum and the clavicle and is a saddle joint, which is more stable than a ball-and-socket joint. In saddle joints, each bone has both convex and concave surfaces, resembling a saddle. This configuration allows for flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and minimal rotation. The joint between the wrist and the metacarpal bone of the thumb is an example of this.

133.

Joint motion stimulates the secretion of synovial fluid by which structure?

  • Inner synovial layer of the joint capsule

  • Outer layer of the joint capsule

  • Ligaments

  • Cartilage

Correct answer: Inner synovial layer of the joint capsule

The inner synovial layer of a joint capsule is located deep within the joint, nearest to the articulation of the involved bones. Movement stimulates the release of synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint.

The outer layer of the joint capsule and the ligaments (which may be part of the joint capsule) function to stabilize the joint rather than lubricate it. Cartilage found on the ends of the bones does provide a smooth surface for joint movement; it does not secrete synovial fluid. 

134.

What is present in the ribs and allows the least amount of friction between tissues?

  • Hyaline cartilage

  • Fibrocartilage

  • Connecting cartilage

  • Elastic cartilage

Correct answer: Hyaline cartilage

Hyaline cartilage is slippery, elastic, and provides a great cushion between joints and within tissues. This reduces the amount of friction between articular surfaces. Hyaline cartilage is present in the ribs, nose, larynx, and trachea.

Fibrocartilage is also cushioning and elastic, but it is rougher than hyaline cartilage and produces greater friction. It is found in the knee, among other joints.

Connecting cartilage is significantly less flexible, allowing for less movement. It is found in such joints as the pubic symphysis and the intervertebral joints of the spine.

Elastic is an adjective that describes cartilage, rather than the name of a specific type of cartilage.

135.

While calcium is important in healthy bones, it plays all the following roles except:

  • Movement of sodium across cell walls

  • Transmission of nerve impulses across synapses

  • Blood clotting

  • Muscle contraction

Correct answer: Movement of sodium across cell walls

Calcium helps to transmit nerve impulses across synapses, which is where an axon and a post-synaptic cell meet. It is also important in the processes of blood clotting and muscle contraction. 

Chloride, which is an electrolyte, easily diffuses across plasma membranes. This movement is closely linked to the movement of sodium. Chloride helps regulate osmotic pressure differences and maintain the body's pH balance.

136.

If a client has periods in which he temporarily stops breathing, which respiratory condition does the client most likely have?

  • Apnea

  • Asthma

  • Bronchitis

  • Dyspnea

Correct answer: Apnea

Apnea is a respiratory condition that causes a temporary cessation of breathing. Apnea is the lack of spontaneous breathing and can cause irreversible brain damage if it continues longer than 3–4 minutes. It is relatively common for obese individuals and can be present when sleeping. CPAP machines help to facilitate breathing during sleep for these individuals.

Asthma is a respiratory condition that causes difficulty in breathing due to muscle spasms in the bronchial wall with fluid retention and mucus production. Bronchitis is a respiratory condition that is an inflammation of the bronchi. Dyspnea is shortness of breath.

137.

Which neurotransmitter is responsible for influencing motor activity, especially fine movements?

  • Dopamine

  • Serotonin

  • Oxytocin

  • Cortisol

Correct answer: Dopamine

Dopamine influences motor activity that involves movement, especially fine motor control. It also influences mood and the ability to focus one's attention. Low dopamine levels contribute to a lack of motor control and clumsiness. Individuals who have Parkinson's disease have a lack of usable dopamine in their brains, which contributes to the motor deficits of the disease. Massage can increase the availability of dopamine in the body.

Serotonin allows a person to maintain context-appropriate behavior and regulates mood. Oxytocin is a hormone that facilitates bonding and feelings of attachment. Cortisol is a stress hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands during prolonged stress.

138.

All the following are examples of digestive secretions, except:

  • Plasma

  • Saliva

  • Bile

  • Pancreatic juice

Correct answer: Plasma

Plasma is a fluid found in blood and lymph. It is not a digestive secretion.

Saliva is produced by the salivary glands and lubricates the bolus of food while also facilitating the mixing of food during the chewing process.

Bile, produced by the liver, increases the pH of the bolus of food, detoxifies it of harmful substances, and dilutes it in order to facilitate further digestion.

Pancreatic juice, produced by the pancreas, digests proteins, polypeptides, lipids, and other substances.

139.

The massage therapist code of ethics is based on all of the following principles, except:

  • Responsibility to insurance

  • Responsible caring

  • Integrity in relationships

  • Responsibility to society

Correct answer: Responsibility to insurance 

All massage therapists must follow a code of ethics based on four principles. The responsibility to insurance is not one of these. If they accept payment through their clients' insurance providers, they may take on certain responsibilities. However, many massage therapists perform perfectly ethical work without accepting this kind of payment.

All therapists have a responsibility to society to maintain high ethical standards. They must also maintain integrity in relationships with all professionals and clients they come into contact with, and they must exercise responsible caring to provide quality care to all clients.

140.

After having a conversation with a client about her health history and current concerns, with whom should the massage therapist discuss this information?

  • No one without the informed consent of the client

  • No one

  • Only the referring provider

  • Coworkers

Correct answer: No one without the informed consent of the client 

This information is considered protected health information and should not be shared with anyone without the consent of the client.

It is appropriate to share this information with other providers involved in this client's care, but only with the client's knowledge and consent. If coworkers are directly involved with the client's care, it may be appropriate to share information with them. For example, if a massage therapist is working under a doctor's supervision, the two professionals might communicate about the client's symptoms. This is only done in very specific circumstances.

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