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Quiz Session - Attempts With Random Questions

FSMTB MBLEx Exam Questions

Page 9 of 50

161.

What type of conversation is most appropriate for a massage therapist to have with a client?

  • Conversation related to the client's aftercare

  • Conversation related to the client's hobbies

  • Conversation related to the client's work life

  • Conversation related to sports

Correct answer: Conversation related to the client's aftercare

A massage therapist should have a conversation with a client about the client's aftercare, treatment goals, and treatment outcomes.

A massage therapist should keep conversations with clients limited to the professional services being obtained. A massage therapist should avoid conversations that focus on the client's interests, activities, or personal problems in most scenarios, with two major exceptions. First, these activities may be discussed if they are relevant to treatment. For example, if a client runs 5 miles every day and is seeking treatment for a knee injury, it may be important to discuss the client's exercise habits. Second, if the client starts a conversation about their personal life, the therapist may engage with them. However, the therapist should not ask any personal questions unless they are relevant to the process of massage therapy.

162.

Which of the following glands is responsible for the secretion of breast milk?

  • Mammary glands

  • Vestibular glands

  • Cowper’s glands

  • Sudoriferous glands

Correct answer: Mammary glands

Mammary glands are found in the breast and are responsible for the secretion of breast milk.

Vestibular glands secrete mucus during a female’s sexual arousal. Cowper’s glands are responsible for the secretion of lubricant in a male’s urethra. Sudoriferous glands produce sweat.

163.

When working with a client, a massage therapist notices red streaks along one leg. The client has also noted pain along this leg recently following a spider bite in the same leg. The therapist continues with treatment as usual while taking care to avoid the involved area. What should the therapist have done differently?

  • Stopped the massage, spoken with the client about the dangers of these symptoms, and referred him to a physician

  • Instructed the client to call his physician after the session

  • Worn gloves for the session

  • Used a hypoallergenic laundry detergent to wash the sheets before the session

Correct answer: Stopped the massage, spoken with the client about the dangers of these symptoms, and referred him to a physician 

These signs and symptoms could be consistent with cellulitis (an inflammation of subcutaneous tissue) and might indicate a dangerous infection. Cellulitis will usually present with red streaks in the area, warmth, tenderness, and pain. Massage is contraindicated in instances of cellulitis, and the client should be referred to a physician. 

Possible cellulitis is significant enough that the massage therapist should discontinue massage and send the client to a physician immediately. While it is always a good idea to use hypoallergenic detergent to launder sheets, these signs are not likely a result of an allergic reaction. Wearing gloves may be important, but the most important action is to refer the client to a physician.

164.

Which type of joint describes that of the atlanto-axial joint?

  • Pivot joint

  • Ball and socket joint

  • Saddle joint

  • Hinge joint

Correct answer: Pivot joint

In a pivot joint, one component is shaped like a ring and the other has a rounded end of bone which fits into that ring. This allows the bones to rotate. The atlanto-axial joint, between the first and second vertebrae, is an example of this.

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.

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.

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. Both the elbow and knee are hinge joints. 

165.

A high school student comes in for a massage and notes he has recently had a cold and currently has a body temperature of 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit. However, he has no other symptoms and says he's feeling much better than he felt yesterday.

What is the most appropriate action for the massage therapist?

  • Do not continue with the massage and immediately send the client home.

  • Continue with the massage and take precautions to avoid transmission of the illness.

  • Continue with massage but alert the client's physician as to his condition.

  • Stop the massage immediately and send the client to urgent care.

Correct answer: Do not continue with the massage and immediately send the client home.

Massage is contraindicated when the client has a fever of more than 101 degrees. Many massage therapists will refuse to work with clients with a fever of any temperature. However, in this case, massage is absolutely contraindicated. This is true even though the client says he feels better. 

It is inappropriate to continue with the massage

 Since the client seems to be on the mend, it is inappropriate to contact his physician or send him to urgent care.

If he did need medical attention, it would be necessary for the therapist to get the client's consent first in order to comply with HIPAA regulations.

166.

Of the following, what is the best definition of an endangerment site?

  • An area of the body where it is possible to do damage by performing certain types of massage

  • An area of the body that should never be massaged

  • The site of an injury

  • An area of the body where massage is always indicated

Correct answer: An area of the body where it is possible to do damage by performing certain types of massage.

An endangerment site is an area of the body where it is possible to do damage by performing certain types of massage. For example, the umbilicus area (abdomen), is considered an endangerment site because it contains the descending aorta and the abdominal aorta. However, some therapists may be trained in abdominal massage, and therefore may carefully perform certain techniques in this area as needed.

Certain massage techniques may be appropriately performed in some endangerment areas. For example, the kidneys are located in the flank and may be injured by percussive techniques. However, effleurage may be applied to this area. Massage is often contraindicated over the site of an injury, but injuries do not always occur in endangerment sites. Massage is often contraindicated over endangerment sites. 

167.

Which region of the body does the term "cephalic" refer to?

  • Head

  • Neck

  • Back

  • Chest

Correct answer: Head

Cephalic is a medical term used to describe the head. The head can also be described as including the cranial (upper skull) and facial (face) areas.

Cervical describes the neck, dorsal describes the back, and thoracic describes the chest.

168.

The lumbar paraspinals are contracting. During this contraction, the muscle must work against all the following factors, except:

  • The agonist

  • The antagonist

  • Gravity

  • Inertia

Correct answer: The agonist

The agonist is the muscle that is performing the primary contraction. In this scenario, the lumbar paraspinals are working as agonists. They do not work against themselves in this action.

The antagonist is the muscle that opposes the contraction of the agonist; the agonist has to work to overcome the antagonist.

The muscle must always work against gravity and inertia, which may be greater or lesser depending upon its position in space and whether it is already in motion.

169.

Although compression applies pressure directly to the belly of a muscle, this massage technique also triggers a physiological response in the:

  • Muscle spindles

  • Dermis

  • Epidermis

  • Ligaments

Correct answer: Muscle spindles

Although compression applies pressure directly to the belly of a muscle, this massage technique also triggers a physiological response in the muscle spindles. By stretching the muscle spindles, compression triggers the body's sense that the muscle is being stretched, causing it to reflexively relax.

Any massage technique will have an impact on the dermis and the epidermis, but compression does not produce a significant physiological response in these structures. Ligaments connect bone to bone, and should not be targeted by compression techniques.

170.

What is the universal treatment for a strain or a sprain?

  • RICE

  • SOAP

  • MET

  • AIIS

Correct answer: RICE

The universal treatment for a strain or a sprain is RICE. A strain or a sprain is a muscle or tendon that has been torn or stretched and should be treated with rest (R), ice (I), compression (C), and elevation (E).

SOAP stands for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan, and refers to the way a massage therapist should take notes on a client's treatment. MET stands for muscle energy technique, and refers to a style of muscle activation during massage. The AIIS is the anterior inferior iliac spine, and is a bony landmark found in the pelvic area. 

171.

A client's doctor diagnoses him with a rotator cuff injury and refers him to massage therapy for treatment. He has pain and difficulty when bringing his arm out to the side and up toward his ear. What type of motion is this?

  • Shoulder abduction

  • Shoulder extension

  • Elbow extension

  • Lateral flexion

Correct answer: Shoulder abduction

Abduction is the lateral movement of a limb away from the midline of the trunk. Full shoulder abduction involves movement to reach 180 degrees of motion, pointing the hand directly above the head. For clients with rotator cuff injuries, this movement is usually limited and/or painful. The specific muscle of the rotator cuff that is often involved is the supraspinatus muscle. The muscles of the rotator cuff include the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis muscles.

Extension is a straightening movement that occurs in the sagittal plane. Shoulder extension would occur if the client started by holding their hand in front of them at shoulder height, and then moved to lower it to a neutral position. Elbow extension occurs when the client straightens a bent elbow. Lateral flexion, or side bending, occurs only in the neck or trunk.

172.

While assessing a client's gait pattern, you notice that he drags his right toe during the swing phase. What may be a contributing factor?

  • Weakness in the ankle dorsiflexor muscles

  • Weakness in the ankle plantar flexor muscles

  • Pain in the hip

  • Poor balance

Correct answer: Weakness in the ankle dorsiflexor muscles

Dragging of the toe (often called foot drop) occurs when there is weakness or lost innervation to the ankle dorsiflexor muscles. Typically, the anterior tibialis is negatively affected in some way, causing inability to fully clear the foot during swing. This often occurs after a stroke or other paralysis.

Weakness in the ankle plantar flexor muscles is more likely to impact the placement of the foot back onto the ground than the swing phase of gait. Pain in the hip is likely to result in unequal weight distribution. Poor balance may change the character of the client's gait, but would not likely cause the client to drag the toes.

173.

What is the correct definition of ethics?

  • A system of rules, based on morals, values, and standards of accepted conduct, that guide correct behavior

  • The knowledge base and practice parameters of a profession

  • The development of focusing skills to properly listen and understand clients

  • Esteem and regard for clients, other professionals and oneself

Correct answer: A system of rules, based on morals, values, and standards of accepted conduct, that guide correct behavior

Ethics should be applied to all aspects of professional massage therapy practice. The eight principles that guide professional ethical behavior include: respect, client autonomy and self-determination, veracity, proportionality, nonmaleficence, beneficence, confidentiality, and justice.

A scope of practice is the knowledge base and practice parameters of a profession. Effective listening involves the development of focusing skills to properly listen/understand clients. Respect is esteem and regard for clients, other professionals and oneself.

174.

A pitcher has been having difficulty with shoulder pain and arm numbness caused by compression of the brachial plexus. Which muscles are most likely to compress the brachial plexus?

  • Pectoralis minor, subclavius, scalenes

  • Pectoralis major, biceps, sternocleidomastoid

  • Pectoralis minor, serratus anterior, infraspinatus

  • Pectoralis major, rhomboids, triceps

Correct answer: Pectoralis minor, subclavius, scalenes

This muscle group is the most likely to compress the brachial plexus. The brachial plexus is the collection of nerves that supply the majority of the upper extremity. It is located in both the neck and axillary regions. Compression of this plexus leads to chest and arm pain, arm numbness and tingling, and arm weakness. 

The pectoralis major is less likely to compress the brachial plexus, while the biceps and sternocleidomastoid will have little effect on it. None of the other muscles mentioned are within close enough proximity to have direct effects on the brachial plexus.

175.

Regarding credentialing for massage therapist practice, which term describes the entry level point for career practice, legally defining and limiting the scope of practice for profession, and protects title usage?

  • Licensing

  • Code of Ethics

  • Exemption

  • Informed consent

Correct answer: Licensing

Most states require massage therapists to be licensed in order to practice. This is intended to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Licensing requires a state or provincial board of examiners and requires specific educational background or examination. It also protects the usage of the title of massage therapist.

The Code of Ethics consists of four basic principles describing best practices for a massage therapist's behavior.

Exemption means that the professional is not required to comply with existing regulation. It excuses practitioners who meet specific educational requirements or experience from meeting current regulation requirements.

Informed consent is information used to educate the client regarding their choices and agreement for care. The massage therapist must receive informed consent from the client prior to massage therapy intervention.

176.

A massage therapist is working with a client and notices tenderness along the medial border/superior angle of the scapula. The therapist palpates the surrounding muscles and finds that the pain is concentrated in an area between the superior angle of the scapula and the cervical spine.

Assuming this is localized and not referred pain, what muscle is most likely involved?

  • Levator scapula

  • Infraspinatus

  • Upper trapezius

  • Splenius cervicis

Correct answer: Levator scapula

The levator scapula travels from the superior angle of the scapula into the cervical spine. Tenderness in this area can most likely be attributed to the levator scapula. The action of this muscle is to elevate the scapula and move the inferior angle of the scapula medially.

The upper trapezius does not attach directly into the superior angle of the scapula, but rather travels from the occipital bone and spinous process of C7 and into the lateral third of the clavicle.

The splenius cervicis travels from the spinous processes of the third to sixth thoracic vertebrae and into the upper cervical vertebrae.

The infraspinatus travels from the infraspinous fossa of the scapula and into the greater tubercle of the humerus.

Of these muscles, only the levator scapula attaches directly onto the superior angle of the scapula.

177.

Which of the following muscles performs hip extension?

  • Gluteus maximus

  • Gluteus minimus

  • Piriformis

  • Sartorius

Correct answer: Gluteus maximus

The gluteus maximus muscle is the largest muscle of the buttocks. It is responsible for hip extension and lateral rotation of the thigh. It is especially active during walking and strenuous activities such as climbing and running. 

Gluteus minimus performs thigh abduction and medial rotation, and allows for anterior tilt of the pelvis at the hip joint. Piriformis performs lateral rotation of the hip joint, and in certain positions it can also perform abduction and medial rotation. Sartorius performs flexion, lateral rotation, and abduction of the thigh, as well as flexion and medial rotation of the leg at the knee joint. 

178.

Which of the following is the best description of tenosynovitis?

  • Inflammation of a tendon sheath

  • Inflammation of a tendon

  • Inflammation of a joint

  • Inflammation of a bursa

Correct answer: Inflammation of a tendon sheath

Tenosynovitis is a condition of inflammation of a tendon sheath. It usually results from repetitive movements. Massage can reduce muscle hypertension and may assist in healing. Ice application is also indicated. The suffix "-itis" means inflammation.

Inflammation of a tendon is tendonitis. Inflammation of a joint is arthritis. Inflammation of a bursa is bursitis.

179.

Upon assessing fluid dynamics within tissue, the massage therapist notes the tissue is very stiff and dense, but it is not hot to the touch, and there is no indentation left once the palpating hand is removed.

What is likely occurring in the tissue?

  • Congestion

  • Edema

  • Inflammation

  • Varicose Veins

Correct answer: Congestion

Congestion occurs when blood pools in capillaries and veins of the affected tissue. This tissue will feel dense and stiff, but will not present as pitting edema. Once the palpating hand is removed, no indentation will be present because the higher fluid volumes are present in the capillaries and veins rather than in the interstitial fluid. Venous return techniques are indicated for congested tissue.

With edema, the swollen tissue will pit with pressure even after the palpating hand is removed. This indicates that there is increased interstitial fluid in the area. Infected tissue, while it may be swollen or show signs of congestion, will also be red, hot, and painful; this is an indication for referral.

Inflammation is defined by the presence of heat, redness, selling, and pain. If the tissue is both swollen inflamed, the therapist should refer the client out. Massage is contraindicated until the client consults with a doctor, determines the cause, and approves massage as a course of treatment.

Varicose veins present as visible and sometimes raised veins, normally at the back of the lower leg. Deep pressure is contraindicated in the location of the vein.

180.

The external rotators that move the humerus do which of the following?

  • Rolls the humeral head back, stretching pectoralis major

  • Brings the arm towards the body

  • Lifts the arm to the side

  • Raises the arm

Correct answer: Rolls the humeral head back, stretching pectoralis major

The external rotators that move the humerus roll the humeral head back, effectively stretching the pectoral muscles. External rotators laterally rotate the humerus.

The adductors that move the humerus bring the arm towards the body.

The extensors that move the humerus lift the arm out to the side.

The flexors that move the humerus raise the arm in front of the body.

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