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Quiz Session - Attempts With Random Questions

AMTA MBLEx (English) Exam Questions

Page 8 of 50

141.

All the following are contraindications to massage, except:

  • Chronic post-cerebrovascular accident

  • Hemophilia

  • Acute-stage pneumonia

  • Acute post-cerebrovascular accident

Correct answer: Chronic post-cerebrovascular accident

A cerebrovascular accident (more often called a CVA or stroke) is when a hemorrhage or blood clot has occurred in the brain resulting in neurological deficits. Chronic symptoms indicate that the initial CVA occurred long ago whereas acute symptoms imply it has occurred very recently. When a client is recently post-CVA and prior to stabilization, massage is contraindicated. For clients who had a CVA long ago (months or years), massage may be beneficial.

Hemophilia is contraindicated secondary to bleeding risk.

Acute-stage pneumonia is contraindicated secondary to difficulty with breathing and due to an active infectious process present.

142.

Entrapped and compressed nerves exhibit similar symptoms but different causes. Which of these conditions will receive the most benefit from massage and why?

  • Entrapped nerves, because massage can release tension in soft tissue. 

  • Compressed nerves, because massage can release tension in soft tissue.

  • Entrapped nerves, because massage releases dopamine.

  • Compressed nerves, because massage releases dopamine.

Correct answer: Entrapped nerves, because massage can release tension in soft tissue. 

Entrapped nerves experience pressure exerted by soft tissue, such as muscles. Compressed nerves experience pressure exerted by bony structures. Because massage releases tension in soft tissue, it relieves the symptoms of nerve entrapment more effectively.

Although massage does release dopamine, this is not relevant to the treatment of entrapped or compressed nerves. These conditions are caused by mechanical or structural issues, not by chemical imbalances.

143.

What is/are the primary purpose(s) of kneading?

  • To stretch tendons, release tension in the muscle belly, and mechanically soften superficial fascia.

  • To compress deeper tissues and enhance circulation.

  • To stimulate nerve responses.

  • To break up scar tissue.

Correct answer: To stretch tendons, release tension in the muscle belly, and mechanically soften superficial fascia.

The primary purposes of kneading are to stretch the tendons, release tension in the muscle belly, and mechanically soften superficial fascia. This technique is performed rhythmically, and involves the manipulation of multiple layers of tissue at a time. 

Compression techniques are used to compress deeper tissues and enhance circulation. Percussive techniques stimulate nerve responses. Friction can be used to break up scar tissue. 

144.

A newly graduated massage therapist has an interest in palliative care, and wants to specialize in oncology massage. Of the following options, which is the best course of action for this therapist to take? 

  • Seek out additional training in oncology massage

  • Seek out additional training in geriatric massage

  • Get a job as an orderly at a hospice

  • None of the above

Correct answer: Seek out additional training in oncology massage

A newly graduated massage therapist who wants to specialize in oncology massage should seek out additional training in this area. A therapist should be actively engaged in continuing education throughout their career. Those who want to specialize in pregnancy massage, geriatric care, sports massage, etc., should also seek out further education before practicing with these populations.

While this therapist may benefit from training in geriatric massage, this training may or may not teach them about oncology massage. Getting a job as an orderly would certainly be educational, but it is better for them to work in their chosen field.

145.

During a massage, the therapist should strive to use proper body mechanics. Which of the following actions is not an effective way to do this?

  • The therapist should look down at the client's body. 

  • The wrists and hands should remain relaxed.

  • The feet should provide a wide base of support and the body should be in good alignment.

  • The therapist should keep the client's body close to them so that the length of the stroke is no more than 24 inches.

Correct answer: The therapist should look down at the client's body. 

When performing a massage, the therapist should avoid looking down at the client's body as much as possible. By maintaining a position of neck flexion, they risk injury to their cervical muscles and spine. In the long term, this habit can result in anterior head posture, which can cause chronic neck pain and headaches. It is better for a therapist to rely on their sense of touch, only occasionally glancing down at the client.

It is appropriate for the therapist to relax their wrists and hands, use their feet to provide a wide base of support, and keep the client's body close to their own. 

146.

A massage therapist is finishing a conversation with a colleague when she hears a commotion from the waiting room. She runs into the room, and is the first person to arrive. She sees that a client has fallen to the floor and is unconscious. He is not breathing and has no pulse. What should the therapist do first?

  • Yell for someone to call 911

  • Begin CPR

  • Call 911

  • Call 911, monitor the client, and wait for paramedics to arrive

Correct answer: Yell for someone to call 911

This is clearly a life-threatening situation. In these situations, someone must immediately call 911. Since the therapist is not in the clinic alone, she should yell for someone to call 911 first. 

While it is the responsibility of the massage therapist to perform CPR, it is not the very first step when there are other people present. If the therapist was the only one in the clinic, then she should call 911 herself. CPR should be started as soon as possible, but again, it is most important to have someone call 911 before CPR is started. Once someone is in the process of calling 911, CPR can begin; the therapist should not wait for paramedics to arrive.

147.

Which charting method includes a revision section for the documentation of alternative interventions?

  • SOAPIER

  • SOAP

  • SOAPIE

  • POMR

Correct answer: SOAPIER

The problem-oriented medical record (POMR) focuses on specific client problems. It is most effective in acute or long-term care and home care settings. SOAP, SOAPIE, and SOAPIER methods are examples of formats that can be used in POMR charting.

  • SOAP: subjective, objective, assessment and plan
  • SOAPIE: subjective, objective, assessment, plan, intervention, and evaluation
  • SOAPIER: subjective, objective, assessment, plan, intervention, evaluation and revision

148.

The reaction that happens within cellular processes that is responsible for the production or consumption of energy is known as:

  • Metabolism

  • Absorption

  • Circulation

  • Reproduction

Correct answer: Metabolism

Metabolism is a chemical reaction that occurs in cells to effect transformation, production, or consumption of energy. Energy comes from nutrients and is processed into ATP. The two types of chemical reactions that may take place during this process are anabolism, which uses energy to join molecules together, and catabolism, which releases energy by breaking down more complex chemical compounds.

Absorption is the transportation and use of nutrients. Circulation is the movement of fluids, nutrients, secretions, and waste from one area of the body to another. Reproduction is the formation of a new being or new cells in the body. 

149.

Where is the humerus located?

  • The upper limb

  • The pelvic girdle

  • The lower limb

  • The axial skeleton

Correct answer: Upper limb

The humerus is located in the upper limb of the skeleton. The other limbs in the upper limb are the radius, ulna, carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges.

The sacrum, coccyx, and pelvic bones (also called the ilium and ischium) are located in the pelvic girdle. The femur, patella, tibia, fibula, tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges are located in the lower limb. The axial skeleton refers to the bones located along the central axis of the body, such as the vertebrae, ribcage, and skull.

150.

Which of the following vitamins is not fat-soluble?

  • Folic acid

  • Vitamin A

  • Vitamin D

  • Vitamin K

Correct answer: Folic acid

Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that aids in the formation of hemoglobin and nucleic acids. It is found in green vegetables, legumes, nuts, fruits, and whole grains.

Vitamin A, D, E and K are all fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamin A supports mucous membrane health, skin, hair, bone development, and retinal health. Vitamin D aids in the development of bones and teeth and assists in calcium absorption. Vitamin E conserves fatty acids and protects cell membranes. Vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting.

151.

Which of the following techniques has the greatest effect on fascia?

  • Friction

  • Tapotement

  • Effleurage

  • Petrissage

Correct answer: Friction

Frictioning techniques can be performed on superficial or deeper tissues. These movements create shear force to the tissue and are extremely helpful in breaking up adhesions and scar tissue. 

Tapotement (percussion) is used to stimulate nerve responses. Effleurage (gliding) applies light to moderate pressure to superficial structures including the skin, fascia, and muscles. Although petrissage, or kneading, does have an effect on fascia and tendons, it primarily targets the belly of the muscle. 

152.

Which nerve plexus innervates the diaphragm?

  • Cervical plexus

  • Brachial plexus

  • Lumbar plexus

  • Sacral plexus

Correct answer: Cervical plexus

The cervical plexus is formed by the ventral rami of the upper four cervical nerves. The phrenic nerve, which is part of this plexus, innervates the diaphragm. Damage to this nerve can cause breathing dysfunction, often resulting in death.

The brachial plexus innervates the skin and muscles of the upper limbs. The lumbar and sacral plexuses innervate areas of the abdomen, pelvis, and legs. 

153.

Based on the massage standards of practice, what should the therapist avoid with respect to client education?

  • Exaggeration

  • Excessive information

  • Current research

  • The therapist's clinical experience

Correct answer: Exaggeration

Based on massage standards of practice, a massage therapist should not make false claims or exaggerate the potential benefits of certain techniques or massage in general. The client should always be accurately informed about the benefits/risks of treatment.

Excessive information is an arbitrary term, and the amount of education each client requires varies significantly. Therefore, what may be too much information for one client will not be enough for another. Both current research and the therapist's clinical experience should contribute to decision-making, and the client should be educated with regard to this process.

154.

When observing a client walk, a massage therapist notices the client is unable to achieve the proper knee position for initial contact (heel strike). Upon further assessment, the therapist notes decreased activity and mobility of the hamstrings. What is the most likely cause of this gait pattern?

  • Shortened hamstrings

  • Faulty hamstring firing patterns

  • Decreased quadricep mobility

  • Faulty hip flexor firing patterns

Correct answer: Shortened hamstrings 

Normal knee position at initial contact (heel strike) in the gait cycle is 0 degrees, meaning the knee is in full extension. Causes for this can be variable. However, given the observation of decreased hamstring activity, the most likely cause of this is inadequate hamstring length. Since the hamstrings are lengthened in full knee extension, shortened hamstrings will interfere with knee extension. 

Faulty hamstring firing patterns would not necessarily contribute to this pattern, but faulty quadriceps firing patterns might. Decreased mobility of the quadriceps would contribute to decreased ability to flex the knee, not extend it. The hip flexors are largely inactive at initial contact.

155.

Which of the following does not need to be explained prior to performing massage on a client?

  • The specifications of the massage technique

  • Your fee scale

  • What the client should expect

  • What you expect from the client

Correct answer: The specifications of the massage technique

It is important to let the client know what to expect from the massage; however, it is not necessary to educate the client about the specifications of the massage technique being performed. For example, you may tell a client to expect a deep pressure, but you do not need to explain that you will be performing a kneading technique that lifts, pulls, and wrings the soft tissue structures. Of course, if the client asks or is curious, it is appropriate to share this information.

In order to show your professionalism, you should inform the client of your fees, your expectations, and what the client should expect from you.

156.

A 20-year-old woman comes to a massage therapist with reports of neck and right upper arm pain. When treating this client, which of the following is within the scope of practice for a massage therapist?

  • Instructing her in self-myofascial release techniques for at-home use

  • Diagnosing her with a herniated disc

  • Instructing her to take ibuprofen to reduce pain

  • Realign her shoulder using chiropractic techniques

Correct answer: Instructing her in self-myofascial release techniques for at-home use

A massage therapist's scope of practice includes any skilled technique designed to positively influence soft and connective tissue. Teaching a client how to properly perform self-care is fully within this realm. 

It is illegal for massage therapists with no other medical credentials to diagnose conditions, prescribe or recommend medications, or adjust a client's skeletal structure. Each of these requires special training, and is in the scope of practice of other healthcare providers. By acting outside their scope of practice, massage therapists risk causing harm to themselves and their clients, legal action, and loss of licensure.

157.

Which nerve root does not form part of the four nerve plexuses in the body?

  • T8

  • C3

  • C8

  • L1

Correct answer: T8

The four nerve plexuses are the:

  • Cervical plexus
  • Brachial plexus
  • Lumbar plexus
  • Sacral plexus

Nerves T2-T12 do not form a plexus.

C3 is part of the cervical plexus. C8 is part of the brachial plexus. L1 is part of the lumbar plexus.

158.

A client has been seeing the same massage therapist for several months to receive treatment for trigger points. He has a heart attack and is placed on anticoagulants. When his doctor clears him for massage, he returns to the massage clinic. He tells the therapist that he would like to continue with treatment for trigger points. How should the therapist proceed?

  • Attempt to address the trigger points with non-compressive techniques and light pressure.

  • Address the trigger points with traditional trigger point release and heavy pressure.

  • Inform the client that due to his recent heart attack, trigger points can no longer be addressed.

  • Attempt to address the trigger points with myofascial release techniques and heavy pressure.

Correct answer: Attempt to address the trigger points with non-compressive techniques and light pressure.

Anticoagulants are medications used to prevent the clotting of blood and are commonly used in clients who have had a heart attack to prevent blood clots from forming in the heart. Because he is taking anticoagulants, this client should only receive massage that utilizes light pressure, with levels of only 1 to 2. This lowers the risks of subdermal bleeding and similar tissue damage.

Addressing the trigger points traditionally with pressure level 4 to 6 or with heavy myofascial release would be much too aggressive and place the client at risk of injury. This client is still appropriate for massage; however, he should be informed that the trigger points will need to be addressed differently than they were before.

159.

In order to properly utilize the data gathered during the assessment, what must the massage therapist do?

  • Employ clinical reasoning to develop an appropriate care plan with quantifiable goals

  • Input the objective data into a national database to compare standardized norms

  • Confer with a physician to determine if there are any areas of contraindication for massage

  • Follow a standardized routine of relaxation massage

Correct answer: Employ clinical reasoning to develop an appropriate care plan with quantifiable goals

In order to properly utilize the data gathered during the assessment, the massage therapist must employ clinical reasoning to develop an appropriate care plan with quantifiable goals. Each care plan should be unique and tailored to the needs of the specific client. The assessment information guides the massage professional in creating quantifiable outcome goals. As the treatment progresses, the massage therapist can reassess the objective data to determine what progress has been made.

There is no professionally recognized national database the therapist can use for a comparison of norms.

The therapist may confer with a physician in certain cases, but this is not always required.

While relaxation massage may be a component of the care plan for some clients, it is not always indicated.

160.

What membrane of fibrous connective tissue connects the skin to the muscles and other underlying structures?

  • Fascial

  • Synovial

  • Serous

  • Mucous

Correct answer: Fascial

Fascial membranes are layers of fibrous connective tissue that connect the skin to muscles and other underlying structures.

Synovial membranes are located inside the joints and produce synovial fluid that lubricates the joints.

Serous membranes produce serous fluid, which lubricates the internal organs of the pelvic, abdominal, and thoracic cavities.

Mucous membranes produce mucus that lubricates and protects the respiratory and digestive cavities.

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