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Pathology practice questions

29 questions from the massage therapy (mblex) practice test.

Pathology practice test

10 questions, graded as you go, with the reason for every answer. No sign-up.

What this covers

Sample questions

A client arrives with a temperature of 101.5 F, chills and body aches. What should the therapist do?

  1. Apply heat packs first, then massage normally
  2. Reschedule; massage is contraindicated today
  3. Limit the session to the back and shoulders
  4. Give a lighter full-body relaxation massage
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B. Reschedule; massage is contraindicated today

Fever signals a systemic infection, which is a general contraindication: massage can stress the client further and expose the therapist and other clients. A lighter session is tempting but is still circulatory work on a sick person.

Reference: MBLEx content outline: Pathology, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, Special Populations; contraindications, acute infection

A client reports that one calf has become swollen, warm, red and painful over two days, with no injury. What is the right response?

  1. Apply deep friction to release the tight calf muscle
  2. Massage the calf lightly toward the heart to drain the swelling
  3. Do not massage; refer for immediate medical evaluation
  4. Stretch the calf and apply heat before the massage
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C. Do not massage; refer for immediate medical evaluation

One-sided calf swelling, warmth, redness and pain without injury are warning signs of deep vein thrombosis. Massage could dislodge a clot, so the client needs prompt medical assessment. Draining strokes toward the heart are exactly the risk.

Reference: MBLEx content outline: Pathology, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, Special Populations; circulatory pathologies, deep vein thrombosis

Why is massage over a suspected deep vein thrombosis dangerous?

  1. The vein may collapse and stop draining the leg
  2. The clot may move down and block the foot
  3. The calf muscle may tear under the pressure
  4. A clot may break loose and lodge in the lungs
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D. A clot may break loose and lodge in the lungs

Part of a venous clot can break off, travel through the right side of the heart and block a pulmonary artery, a pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal. Venous blood flows toward the heart, so a clot does not travel down to the foot.

Reference: MBLEx content outline: Pathology, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, Special Populations; circulatory pathologies, deep vein thrombosis

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