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Quiz Session - Attempts With Random Questions

FSMTB MBLEx Exam Questions

Page 6 of 50

101.

A spinal cord injury at what level would still allow a person to continue breathing on their own?

  • Below C5

  • C2-C3

  • Above C3

  • C2

Correct answer: Below C5

The diaphragm is the primary muscle responsible for breathing. It is innervated by the phrenic nerve which originates from C3-C5. Injury at or above this level would result in severe difficulty or complete inability to breathe on one's own. Think, "Stayin' alive, C3, 4, 5!"

Any injury to the level C5 or above would result in severe difficulty or inability to breathe since the signal for the phrenic nerve must travel through C1-C5 to carry the signal to the diaphragm. Spinal injuries at or inferior to the level of C6 do not necessarily inhibit breathing. 

102.

To assist with muscle energy techniques, a massage therapist may advise the client to take any or all of the following actions except:

  • Exerting their full muscle strength in resistance to the massage therapist

  • Looking in a specific direction

  • Inhaling

  • Exhaling

Correct answer: Exerting their full muscle strength in resistance to the massage therapist. 

To assist with muscle energy techniques, a massage therapist may advise the client to take any or all of the following actions except exerting their full muscle strength in resistance to the massage therapist. Eye positioning and respiration both have a known impact on the contraction and relaxation of various muscle groups, and so any of these actions could potentially assist with muscle energy techniques.

103.

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.

104.

Which of the following is not contained or embedded within the dermis?

  • Nails

  • Connective tissue

  • Hair follicles

  • Glands

Correct answer: Nails

Nails are not contained within the dermis.

The dermis is located below the epidermis. The dermis is made of connective tissue and contains lymphatic vessels, blood vessels, hair follicles, and sweat glands.

105.

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.

106.

A massage therapist is performing friction massage over the IT band. What is occurring at the tissue level?

  • Tissue repair is stimulated by a local inflammatory response.

  • Connective tissue is reorganized by stimulation of the Golgi tendon organ.

  • Tissue repair is stimulated by proprioceptor stimulation.

  • Connective tissue is reorganized by the release of norepinephrine.

Correct answer: Tissue repair is stimulated by a local inflammatory response.

Friction is typically applied transversely to the targeted tissue (such as the IT band) and can be applied deeply or superficially. It creates shear force, which stimulates a local inflammatory response.  As a result of this inflammatory response, histamine and prostaglandins (among other inflammatory mediators) are released and help to induce repair of the tissues. 

While tissue repair occurs as mentioned above, this is not a result of the proprioceptor stimulation. Connective tissue is also reorganized as a result of this technique, but it has nothing to do with the Golgi tendon organ (which senses tension within a muscle). Norepinephrine is likely not released during this process as it is a product of the sympathetic nervous system and increases the strength of muscular contractions.

107.

The vestibular system is essential in determining and reporting the head's position and direction of movement. Where are the vestibular sensors located?

  • Inner ear

  • Nasal passages

  • Within the eyes

  • Cervical plexus

Correct answer: Inner ear 

The vestibular sensors are located within the inner ear and continuously monitor head movements. They then report the head position, direction, and movement to the brain. These sensors also function to control movement of the eyes and compensate for movement of the head, thereby stabilizing vision.

108.

During the contraction of a skeletal muscle, which of the following actions occurs immediately after the brain receives impulses?

  • The motor unit is stimulated

  • Acetylcholine is released

  • Muscle fiber is stimulated to release calcium

  • The contraction occurs

Correct answer: The motor unit is stimulated

The motor unit is a group of muscle fibers that are all innervated by a single neuron. When the brain receives an impulse, it sends a message to the neuron, which in turn stimulates the motor unit. Then the motor unit is stimulated, and it releases acetylcholine. After the acetylcholine is released, the muscle fiber is stimulated to release calcium. The actual muscle contraction occurs after the release of calcium.

109.

What is the purpose of palliative massage?

  • Reduce suffering and provide comfort

  • Provide therapeutic change

  • Increase muscle strength

  • Promote circulation

Correct answer: Reduce suffering and provide comfort

The purpose of palliative massage is to reduce suffering and provide comfort. It is often performed on patients with end-stage disease and intense chronic pain. This is an especially common treatment for cancer patients.

The goals for therapeutic massage, not palliative massage, include healing and therapeutic change.

Exercise, not massage, increases muscle strength.

110.

What is clinical reasoning?

  • The process of collecting data, analyzing it, and developing an appropriate treatment plan

  • The process of explaining the reason for a particular method of treatment

  • The process of collecting information about the client's health history

  • The process of tracking and recording changes over time

Correct answer: The process of collecting data, analyzing it, and developing an appropriate treatment plan

Clinical reasoning is the process of collecting data, analyzing it, and developing an appropriate treatment plan. It is essential that every massage therapist, especially those who work in a medical setting, be comfortable with this process.

Justification is the process of explaining the reason for a particular method of treatment. An assessment or intake assessment is the process of collecting information about the client's health history. Reassessment is the process of tracking changes over time, and record-keeping is the process of recording those changes.

111.

In regards to the principles that guide professional ethical behavior, what is the principle that gives esteem and regard for clients, other professionals and oneself?

  • Respect

  • Client autonomy

  • Veracity

  • Justice

Correct answer: Respect

The principle of respect describes a massage therapist's responsibility to exhibit esteem for their clients, other professionals, and themselves.

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.

112.

Which of the following is a serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and prevents friction?

  • Peritoneum

  • Periosteum

  • Omentum

  • Epididymus

Correct answer: Peritoneum

The peritoneum is a serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and prevents friction. It secretes serous fluid that works as a lubricant and protects the abdominal organs. The abdominal cavity contains the major organs of digestion. The digestive tract consists of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus.

The periosteum is a thin membrane of connective tissue that covers certain portions of the bones.

The omentum is a support structure in the abdominal cavity that surrounds the intestinal organs, protecting them from inflammation and infection.

The epididymus is part of the male reproductive system.

113.

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.

114.

After five massage sessions with a focus on stretching, a client still presents with decreased range motion when they perform knee flexion. What technique might the therapist perform next to enhance the effects of stretching?

  • Use contract-relax techniques for the quadriceps followed by stretching of the quadriceps

  • Continue to stretch the quadriceps, then use contract-relax techniques for the quadriceps

  • Continue with the same plan and techniques since five sessions are not enough to notice a change

  • Use only contract-relax techniques for the quadriceps

Correct answer: Use contract-relax techniques for the quadriceps followed by stretching of the quadriceps

If a client has not improved after five sessions, it is time for the therapist to use a new strategy. Stretching is most effective when used after contract-relax techniques of the restricted tissue. If the knee is limited in flexion, contract-relax of the quadriceps, followed by stretching this same muscle group, would be the most effective strategy. 

To enhance the effects of stretching, contract-relax techniques should be used before stretching, not after. This technique is also most effective when used in combination with stretching. Five sessions is enough time to see a noticeable change, so a change in techniques or focus is necessary.

115.

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.

116.

Which tissue is responsible for connecting muscle to bone?

  • Tendon

  • Ligament

  • Fascia

  • Cartilage

Correct answer: Tendon

Tendons are tissues that are responsible for connecting muscle to bone. Tendons are found at the end of a muscle belly.

Ligaments are short bands of tough, flexible, fibrous connective tissue that connect two bones or cartilages or hold together a joint. Fascia is connective tissue responsible for lining muscles, vessels, and nerves. Cartilage is the tissue that is responsible for cushioning joints and reducing friction between bones.

117.

Which of the following is true of the respiratory system?

  • It exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide within the cells of the body.

  • It exchanges carbon dioxide and oxygen within the lungs.

  • It is responsible for ingesting oxygen.

  • It produces oxygen and excretes carbon dioxide.

Correct answer: It exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide within the cells of the body.

The respiratory system supplies oxygen to and removes carbon dioxide from the cells of the body. This takes place during internal respiration. Respiration is divided into two phases: 

  1. External respiration occurs as the lungs absorb oxygen from the air outside the body (inhalation) and transport carbon dioxide cells back out into the environment (exhalation).
  2. Internal respiration occurs when the respiratory system exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide within the body's cells.

It is inaccurate to say that carbon dioxide and oxygen are exchanged within the lungs. The exchange of these gases occurs within individual cells; the lungs simply absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide. The digestive system ingests food, not oxygen, and this process does not take place in the respiratory system. The respiratory system absorbs and transports oxygen, but does not produce it.

118.

A massage therapist should inform a client about what regarding the client's medical records?

  • They are subject to subpoena.

  • They can legally be reviewed by anyone who requests them.

  • They cannot be shared with anyone without the client's consent.

  • They can be shared with any health care provider at the massage therapist's discretion and with or without the client's knowledge.

Correct answer: They are subject to subpoena.

Medical records are kept strictly confidential, with some exceptions. With the client's informed consent, the massage therapist may share a client's records with another healthcare professional. If the massage therapist works under the supervision of another professional (such as a doctor or chiropractor), they may share information with that colleague in order to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Additionally, a client's records may be subpoenaed by the courts. This does not require the consent of the client. 

Barring the unusual circumstances above, massage records may not be shared with anyone; as such, massage therapist should not comply with other individuals' requests to see them. The client's consent is required before a massage therapist shares information with another healthcare provider, but not before responding to a subpoena.

119.

A massage therapist is working with a client and notices restricted passive range of motion when she moves the client into shoulder flexion. Of the following options, which muscle is most likely to cause this?

  • Latissimus dorsi

  • Infraspinatus

  • Middle trapezius

  • Anterior deltoid

Correct answer: Latissimus dorsi

The latissimus dorsi is a large muscle that originates from the spinous process of the lower thoracic and all lumbar veterbrae, the iliac crest, the posterior layer of the thoracolumbar fascia, and the lower three or four ribs. It inserts on the medial lip of the bicipital groove of the humerus close to teres major. It concentrically contracts to perform medial rotation, adduction, and extension of the arm at the shoulder joint, among other actions. Since it is a prime mover in shoulder extension, it is an antagonist to shoulder flexion. Adhesions or restrictions in this muscle could therefore inhibit PROM during shoulder flexion.

The middle trapezius is involved in scapular retraction, so it is slightly lengthened with shoulder flexion; however, it would not be the primary muscle restricting flexion. The infraspinatus is a lateral rotator of the shoulder and assists in shoulder flexion, so it would not be lengthened during this action, and therefore would not restrict passive range of motion. The anterior deltoid is not lengthened with shoulder flexion and therefore would not restrict it.

120.

When performing the Swedish friction stroke, what anatomical tool/s should the massage therapist use?

  • Either the thumbs, fingers, palms, or elbows

  • Only the palms or the fingers

  • Only the elbow

  • Only the thumbs or fingers

Correct answer: Either the thumbs, fingers, palms, or elbows

When performing the Swedish friction stroke, the massage therapist may use either the thumbs, fingers, palms, or elbows. The friction stroke uses cross-fiber, circular, and compression pressure in order to move superficial tissue across the deep tissue. This stroke is known to increase circulation and promote flexibility.

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