MBLEx Contraindications, Areas Of Caution, Special Populations Practice Test

Last Updated on January 18, 2025

MBLEx Contraindications, Areas Of Caution, Special Populations Practice Test (Massage Therapy Exam Test Preparation) like ABMP, NCBTMB, AMTA Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). This sample practice test questions answers are free and consist of 30 multiple-choice questions and answers with explanations in a quiz form.

One cannot overstate the importance of being well-versed with contraindications for massage therapy; that is knowing when it is not safe or beneficial to proceed with certain techniques or treatments due to potential harm they could cause. Common general contraindications include acute inflammation, severe osteoporosis, or contagious skin diseases. In contrast, local contraindications might restrict you from working on areas affected by recent injuries or surgeries.

Adeptness at identifying ‘Areas of Caution’ — points requiring special care or modified approaches such as avoiding deep pressure over varicose veins — is also mandatory for ensuring client safety and comfort. Moreover, special populations such as pregnant women or elderly clients necessitate adaptations in technique application and positioning during a session due to their distinctive needs. Familiarity with guidelines specific to these groups ensures that care remains individualized and efficacious.

  Note: The actual full-length MBLEx Exam Contraindications, Areas Of Caution, and Special Populations section consists of 14% of questions on the following topics.  

MBLEx Contraindications, Areas Of Caution, Special Populations Practice Test

1. Which of the following is considered a systemic contraindication for massage?
(A) Muscle soreness
(B) Local inflammation
(C) Fever
(D) Bruise
Answer: C

2. What pathological condition is characterized by the thickening and hardening of arterial walls?
(A) Atherosclerosis
(B) Myalgia
(C) Atrophy
(D) Tendonitis
Answer: A

3. In which of these conditions should massage therapy be avoided altogether?
(A) Diabetes, with controlled blood sugar
(B) Chronic muscle tension
(C) Immediately after surgery
(D) Osteoarthritis
Answer: C

4. Which condition may benefit from massage therapy but requires a physician’s approval before treatment?
(A) High blood pressure
(B) Recent fracture
(C) Ankylosing spondylitis
(D) Infectious skin disease
Answer: B

5. Lymphedema refers to:
(A) Wasting away of muscle tissue due to lack of use
(B) Swelling due to accumulation of lymph fluid in tissues
(C) Inflammation of a lymph node
(D) Chronic muscle pain without inflammation
Answer: B

6. What is oncology massage?
(A) Massage for clients with fibromyalgia
(B) Massage tailored for individuals with cancer histories
(C) Massage using stones heated by oncological processes
(D) Specialized massage techniques for people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome
Answer: B

7. When massaging a client with diabetes, which of the following areas should you approach with caution?
(A) Feet and lower legs
(B) Upper back
(C) Shoulders
(D) Forearms
Answer: A

8. Why is it important to avoid deep massage strokes over the abdomen of a pregnant client?
(A) To prevent induction of labor
(B) It can lead to nausea
(C) To avoid disruption to fetal development
(D) All of the above
Answer: D

9. A client who recently had surgery is looking to receive a massage. When should massage be avoided?
(A) 2 weeks after surgery
(B) 24 hours after surgery
(C) Until cleared by a physician
(D) Massage is always safe post-surgery
Answer: C

10. Which class of medication is important to be aware of due to its blood-thinning properties that could lead to bruising?
(A) Antihistamines
(B) Antibiotics
(C) Anticoagulants
(D) Antidepressants
Answer: C

11. In clients with varicose veins, massage therapists should:
(A) Massage directly over the varicosities with firm pressure
(B) Avoid massaging the affected areas
(C) Only use tapotement techniques on the area
(D) Perform deep tissue massage around the site
Answer: B

12. Which population should not receive deep tissue massage?
(A) Athletes after training sessions
(B) Clients suffering from osteoporosis
(C) Clients who experience muscle soreness
(D) Clients without chronic injuries
Answer: B

13. What precaution must be taken when massaging a client taking corticosteroids?
(A) Avoiding deep pressure techniques
(B) Using only cold therapy
(C) Implementing vigorous strokes
(D) Applying heat for an extended time
Answer: A

14. For a client undergoing chemotherapy, what is an important consideration for massage therapy?
(A) Use stronger pressure for stimulation purposes
(B) Avoid long sessions as they may become overstimulated
(C) Maintain firm, sustained strokes throughout the session
(D) Avoid massage due to potential lymphedema and fragility concerns
Answer: D

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