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Quiz Session - Attempts With Random Questions

AMTA MBLEx (English) Exam Questions

Page 9 of 50

161.

Muscular dysfunction can be caused by a number of factors. Of the following options, which is the least likely to be the main cause of muscular pathology?

  • A single muscle cell

  • The nervous system

  • The circulatory system

  • Joint function

Correct answer: A single muscle cell

A single muscle cell is not often the cause of muscular dysfunction. Instead, muscle pathology is most often the result of interactions between the nervous system, circulatory system, function of the joint, and function of the connective tissue. All of these systems are intimately connected to the muscle and its function. It is very rare that the pathology of the musculoskeletal system involves the muscle cell itself. 

The nervous and circulatory systems, as well as joint function, can all contribute to muscular pathology.

162.

What is a contraindication?

  • A condition for which an approach could be harmful

  • A condition for which massage would be beneficial

  • General relaxation massage for pleasure

  • A condition in which there is no benefit or harmful indication

Correct answer: A condition for which an approach could be harmful

A contraindication is a condition in which a massage approach could be harmful. There are many classifications:

  • General avoidance of application: Do not massage.
  • Regional avoidance of application: Do massage, but avoid a particular area.
  • Application with caution: Usually requires supervision from medical personnel.

Most contraindications are described as cautions, requiring adaptation for safety.

163.

A massage therapist is 70 inches tall and is trying to adjust the height of a new table. What is the best height for the table to be set?

  • 35 inches

  • 40 inches

  • 30 inches

  • 42 inches

Correct answer: 35 inches 

In general, table height should be half of the massage therapist's height (half of 70 inches is 35 inches). If nothing else, this is a good starting point, and then the table can be adjusted to the therapist's comfort. This general height will help to ensure proper body mechanics and reduce the risk of injury. 

35 inches +/- 2 or 3 inches would be ideal for this therapist, but no variation beyond 2 or 3 inches is recommended. This can change slightly based on the proportions of the individual therapist.

164.

What happens when the stretch reflex is activated?

  • The stretching of a muscle elicits a protective contraction of that same muscle.

  • The contraction of one muscle causes its antagonist to relax. 

  • Passive stretching increases flexibility.

  • The act of overstretching a muscle causes pain.

Correct answer: The stretching of a muscle elicits a protective contraction of that same muscle.

When the stretch reflex is activated, the stretching of a muscle elicits a protective contraction of that same muscle. This reflex guards against muscle injury. For example, if a person trips, forcing their hip into hyperextension, they may risk injuring the joint and surrounding muscles. In this scenario, the stretch reflex would cause the hip flexors to contract, pulling the joint back into a less dangerous position.

During reciprocal inhibition, the contraction of one muscle causes its antagonist to relax. Passive stretching can indeed increase flexibility, and the act of overstretching a muscle often causes pain; however, neither of these activities can be described as a reflex.

165.

A massage therapist notices a client has lost a significant amount of weight recently. The client reports he feels his skin has been dry, and he has been very tired recently. What system might be involved?

  • Metabolic

  • Psychiatric

  • Neurological

  • Musculoskeletal

Correct answer: Metabolic

Weight loss, dry skin, and fatigue are all signs and symptoms of metabolic pathology. The metabolic system is how the body uses energy. Dry skin or hair can be indicative of nutritional deficiencies. These signs and symptoms, along with respiratory difficulty, are reasons to refer the client to a physician.

The neurological system involves the nerves of the body and pathology does not present with the signs and symptoms previously described. Psychiatric disorders would present with changes in mood/affect, perceptions and sensations, behavior, and intellectual capacity. Pathology of the musculoskeletal system presents with pain, swelling, and a decreased range of motion, among other things.

166.

The male reproductive system includes the testicles, epididymus, vas deferens, ejaculatory duct, urethra, penis, and scrotum. What is the epididymus?

  • The site in which the sperm mature

  • The site of sperm production

  • The site of ejaculation

  • The skin covering the penis

Correct answer: The site in which the sperm mature

The epididymis is the site in which sperm mature. Sperm is produced in the testicles, after which it travels to the epididymis. It then moves through the vas deferens and into the seminal vesicles. 

The urethra is a vessel that runs through the penis. This is where both urination and ejaculation occur.

The skin is known as the epidermis.

167.

What muscle is able to respond to a stimulus?

  • Excitable

  • Contractible

  • Conductive

  • Elastic

Correct answer: excitable

An excitable muscle is able to respond to a stimulus.

A contractible muscle has the ability to shorten.

A conductive muscle transmits stimuli.

An elastic muscle returns to its original resting position.

168.

Which movement term describes the motion of bringing the thumb to touch the tip of the 5th digit (pinky finger)?

  • Thumb opposition

  • Thumb adduction

  • Thumb abduction

  • Thumb extension

Correct answer: Thumb opposition

Thumb opposition is the movement of the thumb across the palmar aspect to make contact with the fingers. This movement is essential for grasping objects and is a unique characteristic of humans and primates.

Thumb abduction occurs when the thumb moves forward away from the fingers, as if opening the mouth of a sock puppet. Thumb adduction occurs when the thumb moves back from that position to realign with the rest of the digits. Thumb extension occurs when the thumb moves laterally away from the fingers, creating an L-shape as if preparing to shake someone's hand.  

169.

A massage therapist is working with a client with acute low back pain. The client has found side-lying to be most comfortable. During the massage session, where should bolsters or pillows be placed when in this position to emphasize client comfort?

  • Under the head, under the top arm, between the knees, under the top foot

  • Under the head, under the bottom hip, between the calves

  • Under the neck, under the buttocks, under the bottom knee

  • Under the neck, under the top arm, under the bottom foot

Correct answer: Under the head, under the top arm, between the knees, under the top foot

This positioning of pillows and bolsters is typically the most comfortable for clients, especially those with acute low back pain. It supports the head and neck, keeps the thoracic and lumbar spine in a neutral position, and supports the hip and legs. Of course, it is always advisable to work with the client to ensure the most comfortable position possible, but this is a good starting point. 

Placing a pillow under the neck does not support the head and will likely lead to discomfort, while a pillow under any of the joints that are on the bottom (the left side of the body if the client is laying on their left side) would also likely be uncomfortable. Emphasis should be placed on "filling spaces" when laying on the side. These include under the head and neck, under the top arm, under the top knee, and under the top foot.

170.

When working with a client, a massage therapist notes hypomobility in the elbow. The therapist then decides that stretching the elbow is the best course of action to improve mobility. How should this be performed?

  • Begin the stretch at the first point of restriction and move further into restriction

  • Begin the stretch before any restriction is felt and move until the first sign of restriction

  • Begin the stretch at maximum restriction

  • Begin the stretch at the first sign of pain, then move into restriction

Correct answer: Begin the stretch at the first point of restriction and move further into restriction 

Stretching a hypomobile joint is advisable as long as it is pain-free. The most effective way to perform this technique is by beginning the stretch at the exact location of the restriction and then moving into further restriction. By focusing the stretch on the restricted tissue, the therapist is able to elongate the involved muscle(s) and increase the flexibility of the joint.

It is very important to end the stretch at maximum restriction, rather than starting there, as this can cause pain and injury. Pain should be completely avoided when stretching a hypomobile joint. If the stretch is begun before resistance, it only occurs within the available range of motion and does not challenge flexibility.

171.

A joint has developed fibrofatty connective tissue in the joint space, synovial membrane adhesions, osteoporosis in the area, and a weakening of the surrounding ligaments. What is the most likely cause of these symptoms?

  • Immobilization

  • The aging process

  • Fracture of one of the bones

  • Chondral lesion

Correct answer: Immobilization

The development of fibrofatty connective tissue, synovial membrane adhesions, local osteoporosis, and a weakening of surrounding ligaments are likely to co-occur after a joint has been immobilized. Immobilization can occur in response to tissue injury (muscle splinting), due to paralysis, or as the result of an external device (such as a cast). An immobilized joint loses ROM and strength and can be very painful.

These characteristics are not normal parts of the aging process. While chondral lesions and fractures occur near or in the joint, these injuries alone would not cause this type of reaction.

172.

A massage therapist has been filling in for another therapist who is on maternity leave, using her massage table instead of his own. The therapist feels he is flexing his back and bending his waist more than usual with this new table. What should the therapist do to fix this?

  • Increase the table height

  • Decrease the table height

  • Bend more at the knees

  • Begin standing on a small stool during treatment

Correct answer: Increase the table height 

Using a table that is too low may cause the therapist to excessively bend at the waist or flex the back. It is essential for a therapist to check the height of a new table and make sure it is positioned in a way that is most comfortable for the therapist's unique body shape. In this example, increasing the table height will decrease the amount of lumbar and hip flexion used by the therapist during massage.

Decreasing the table height or standing on a small stool would exacerbate the problem; either of these strategies would cause the therapist to bend even further in order to reach the client. Bending at the knees may reduce strain on the back but will quickly cause fatigue in the therapist's legs.

173.

Which of the following is not a component of a typical gait pattern?

  • Foot flat stepping

  • Knee flexion with initiation of swing

  • Knee extension at heel strike

  • Hip flexion to initiate swing

Correct answer: Foot flat stepping

Foot flat stepping indicates that the client is not achieving appropriate heel strike at initiation of stance. Foot flat stepping can indicate a variety of conditions, such as poor balance, poor dorsiflexion strength, pain, and weakness.

Normal gait includes knee flexion with the initiation of swing, knee extension at the heel strike, and hip flexion to initiate the leg swing.

174.

A massage therapist is working with a client who has injured a facet joint in his lumbar region and is in significant pain. All of the following are potential responses of muscle to the injury except:

  • Synergize

  • Spasm

  • Undergo inhibition

  • Do whatever is needed to protect the joint

Correct answer: Synergize

Typically, when a joint is injured, the muscles surrounding that joint (i.e., lumbar paraspinals, quadratus lumborum, etc.) will spasm, or become inhibited, or do whatever else the body decides is necessary to protect the joint. 

When a muscle works as a synergist, it acts in coordination with other muscles to create joint movement. Usually this term is used as a noun, and the term "synergize" is not commonly used. For example: the biceps brachii and anterior deltoid are synergists in shoulder flexion.

175.

Massage will facilitate sebaceous secretions. Which system does this primarily affect?

  • Integumentary

  • Muscular

  • Cardiovascular

  • Nervous

Correct answer: Integumentary

Massage will facilitate sebaceous secretions. This primarily affects the integumentary system. Sebaceous glands are located in the skin, most often connected with hair follicles. They secrete sebum, an oily substance that gives the skin and hair a glossy appearance.

While massage does benefit the muscular, cardiovascular, and nervous systems, none of these systems contain sebaceous glands.

176.

Which of the following cells are responsible for the formation of bones?

  • Osteoblasts

  • Osteocytes

  • Osteoclasts

  • Osteoderm

Correct answer: Osteoblasts

Osteoblasts are the cells that are responsible for the formation of bones.

Osteocytes are the cells that are responsible for maintaining the bones and producing collagen. Osteoclasts are the cells that break down the bone. Osteoderm is not an anatomical term.

177.

There are a number of protocols that govern the process of an intake assessment. Which of the following statements is false?

  • The massage therapist must refer to the primary care physician before assessing a client.

  • Assessment is the process of identifying the structures that need to be addressed.

  • The massage therapist bases treatment goals and treatment plans on assessment data.

  • The assessment helps identify conditions in which a particular treatment may be contraindicated.

Correct answer: The massage therapist must refer to the primary care physician before assessing a client.

An assessment identifies the structures that need to be addressed, establishes clear treatment goals, provides a baseline of objective measurements, and identifies any conditions that may have contraindications. The massage therapist utilizes this information to plan the course of treatment and allow for optimal, specific outcomes.

The massage therapist does not need to refer to the primary care physician before an assessment. However, if contraindications are determined, then the massage therapist would refer to the primary care physician after the intake.

178.

This type of joint allows the most freedom of movement:

  • Synovial

  • Cartilaginous

  • Fibrous

  • Synarthrosis

Correct answer: Synovial

Synovial joints do not unite two bones directly; instead, they include a joint cavity filled with synovial fluid and surrounded by a joint capsule. This structure allows the joint to move freely. The shoulder, hip, elbow, wrist, and knee, are all examples of synovial joints. There are several types of synovial joints: hinge joints, pivot joints, condyloid (or condylar) joints, saddle joints, ball-and-socket joints, and gliding joints.

Cartilaginous joints unite bones with fibrocartilage and have slight movement. A cartilaginous joint can either be a symphysis (such as the pubic symphysis), or a synchondrosis (such as the sternocostal joints). Fibrous joints unite bones with fibrous tissue and have no movement. There are three types of fibrous joints: sutures (found only in the skull), gomphosis joints (only found between a tooth and the mandible or maxilla), and syndesmosis joints (such as the attachment of the tibia to the fibula). Synarthrosis is a term describing the lack of movement in fibrous joints.

179.

A parent approaches a massage therapist with concern over her child's complaints of growing pains in her lower limbs. What is an appropriate solution?

  • With parental consent and supervision, a 20-minute massage over the lower legs for pain relief

  • With parental consent and supervision, a 75-minute massage over the lower legs for pain relief

  • It is not appropriate to massage children due to hypersensitive nervous system activity.

  • It is not appropriate to massage children for growing pains due to the risk of injury at the growth plates.

Correct answer: With parental consent and supervision, a 20-minute massage over the lower legs for pain relief

Children have shorter attention spans and massage sessions should be limited to one hour or less. Most massage sessions for children are 15–30 minutes in duration. Massage in children is appropriate, and is an organized approach to touch. Massage does provide temporary relief to growing pains. It is essential to obtain informed consent from the parent, and for the parent to remain in the room to supervise the massage.

180.

Of the following options, which is the best definition of a trigger point?

  • A discrete area of pain and/or tenderness in a band of dense muscle tissue

  • A pathology that produces referred pain

  • A build-up of lactic acid

  • An adhesion between two different muscles

Correct answer: A discrete area of pain and/or tenderness in a band of dense muscle tissue

A trigger point is a discrete area of pain and/or tenderness in a band of dense muscle tissue. It may or may not refer pain and results from adhesions between different muscles.

While trigger points do often produce referred pain, this is not always the case. Many other pathologies, such as liver disease and gastrointestinal distress, may also produce referred pain.

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