MBLEx Pathology Practice Test 2025 Questions Answers

Last Updated on January 18, 2025

FSMTB Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) Pathology Practice Test 2025 Questions Answers on Pathology, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, Special Populations MCQs. This Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) consists of 30 Multiple-Choice questions with explanations. Topics covered Pathology, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, and Special Population changes.

Note: The Actual full-length MBLEx Exam Pathology section consists of 14% questions with the following topics.

A.Overview of Pathologies
B.Contraindications
• Site-specific
• Pathology related
• Special populations
• Tools
• Special applications
C.Areas of caution
D.Special populations
E.Classes of medications

MBLEx Pathology Practice Test 2025

The following question answers are just a sample test and not an actual test question. MBLEx Pathology Practice Test Question Answer is designed to test your knowledge and learn something new with the help of this quiz. You can check your score and correct answers at the end of the quiz.

Test Name	Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx)
Administrated by	Federation Of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB)
Purpose	Massage Therapy License Exam & Certification
Practice Test Type	Sample Test Set 1
Total Question	30
Type of Question	Multiple-Choice with explanation
Answers Availability	Yes
Printable PDF	Download by Save page as PDF

Q1. Which of the following conditions is characterized by chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue?

(A) Osteoarthritis
(B) Fibromyalgia
(C) Rheumatoid arthritis
(D) Gout

View Answer

Answer: (B) Fibromyalgia
Explanation: Fibromyalgia is a condition marked by chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas.

Q2. What is the primary characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis?

(A) Degeneration of cartilage
(B) Inflammation of the synovial membrane
(C) Infection of bone tissue
(D) Excessive uric acid in the joints

View Answer

Answer: (B) Inflammation of the synovial membrane
Explanation: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the synovial membrane, leading to inflammation, pain, and joint damage.

Q3. Which of the following is a viral infection that causes a painful rash, often in a band or strip on one side of the body?

(A) Herpes simplex
(B) Shingles (Herpes zoster)
(C) Eczema
(D) Psoriasis

View Answer

Answer: (B) Shingles (Herpes zoster)
Explanation: Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, results in a painful rash that typically appears as a stripe of blisters on one side of the body.

Q4. Which of the following is a site-specific contraindication for massage therapy?

(A) Recent surgery
(B) Fever
(C) High blood pressure
(D) Contagious skin condition

View Answer

Answer: (A) Recent surgery
Explanation: Recent surgery is a site-specific contraindication because massaging near the surgical site can interfere with healing.

Q5. Massage therapy is contraindicated in which of the following pathologies due to the risk of spreading infection?

(A) Sprained ankle
(B) Common cold
(C) Deep vein thrombosis
(D) Ringworm

View Answer

Answer: (D) Ringworm
Explanation: Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection, and massage therapy can spread the infection to other areas of the body or to the therapist.

Q6. Which special population requires caution due to potential underlying health conditions?

(A) Athletes
(B) Pregnant women
(C) Teenagers
(D) Office workers

View Answer

Answer: (B) Pregnant women
Explanation: Pregnant women are a special population that requires caution during massage therapy due to the potential for underlying health conditions and the need to avoid certain pressure points.

Q7. When using massage tools, what is a primary contraindication to be aware of?

(A) Muscle soreness
(B) Inflammation
(C) High blood pressure
(D) Recent fractures

View Answer

Answer: (D) Recent fractures
Explanation: Recent fractures are a contraindication for using massage tools because the additional pressure can disrupt the healing process.

Q8. Massage therapy can exacerbate symptoms of which pathology-related condition?

(A) Hypertension
(B) Diabetes
(C) Osteoporosis
(D) Inflamed skin conditions

View Answer

Answer: (D) Inflamed skin conditions
Explanation: Inflamed skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, can be exacerbated by massage, leading to increased irritation and discomfort.

Q9. The anterior neck is an area of caution in massage therapy due to the presence of which structure?

(A) Brachial plexus
(B) Carotid artery
(C) Sciatic nerve
(D) Achilles tendon

View Answer

Answer: (B) Carotid artery
Explanation: The anterior neck contains the carotid artery, and applying excessive pressure in this area can lead to serious complications.

Q10. Which of the following areas is considered a cautionary zone due to the potential for causing nerve damage?

(A) Upper back
(B) Popliteal fossa
(C) Calf muscle
(D) Forearm

View Answer

Answer: (B) Popliteal fossa
Explanation: The popliteal fossa, located behind the knee, is a cautionary zone due to the presence of nerves and blood vessels that can be damaged by deep pressure.

Q11. When working with elderly clients, which of the following should be a primary concern?

(A) Muscle hypertrophy
(B) Bone density
(C) Skin elasticity
(D) High metabolism

View Answer

Answer: (B) Bone density
Explanation: Elderly clients often have decreased bone density, making them more susceptible to fractures and requiring gentler techniques.

Q12. For clients with cancer, what is a critical consideration for massage therapy?

(A) Avoiding deep tissue techniques
(B) Increasing circulation
(C) Enhancing muscle tone
(D) Prolonged sessions

View Answer

Answer: (A) Avoiding deep tissue techniques
Explanation: For clients with cancer, deep tissue techniques should be avoided to prevent disrupting the integrity of tissues and potentially spreading cancer cells.

Q13. Which condition in pregnant women requires special consideration to avoid during massage therapy?

(A) Edema
(B) Sciatica
(C) Pre-eclampsia
(D) Heartburn

View Answer

Answer: (C) Pre-eclampsia
Explanation: Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and potential organ damage, requiring special consideration and often contraindicating massage.

Q14. Which class of medication might require caution due to the increased risk of bruising?

(A) Antibiotics
(B) Anticoagulants
(C) Antihistamines
(D) Antidepressants

View Answer

Answer: (B) Anticoagulants
Explanation: Anticoagulants, also known as blood thinners, increase the risk of bruising and bleeding, necessitating caution during massage therapy.

Q15. What should a massage therapist be aware of when working with clients taking anti-inflammatory medications?

(A) Reduced pain sensation
(B) Increased heart rate
(C) Lowered blood pressure
(D) Enhanced muscle tone

View Answer

Answer: (A) Reduced pain sensation
Explanation: Anti-inflammatory medications can reduce pain sensation, potentially leading clients to underestimate the pressure being applied during massage.

Q16. For clients on muscle relaxants, what is a potential side effect that massage therapists should consider?

(A) Increased muscle tension
(B) Decreased muscle tone
(C) Enhanced circulation
(D) Elevated energy levels

View Answer

Answer: (B) Decreased muscle tone
Explanation: Muscle relaxants can decrease muscle tone, making muscles more prone to overstretching and injury during massage.

Q17. When dealing with clients taking beta-blockers, what is an important consideration for massage therapists?

(A) Risk of hypertensive episodes
(B) Increased sensitivity to touch
(C) Diminished heart rate response
(D) Enhanced muscle recovery

View Answer

Answer: (C) Diminished heart rate response
Explanation: Beta-blockers can diminish the heart rate response to physical exertion, requiring therapists to monitor clients closely for signs of overexertion.

Q18. Clients taking corticosteroids may experience which side effect that is relevant to massage therapy?

(A) Decreased skin thickness
(B) Enhanced immune function
(C) Increased bone density
(D) Lowered stress levels

View Answer

Answer: (A) Decreased skin thickness
Explanation: Long-term use of corticosteroids can lead to decreased skin thickness, making the skin more fragile and susceptible to damage during massage.

Q19. Which of the following conditions is a special application contraindication due to the risk of exacerbation by massage?

(A) Chronic fatigue syndrome
(B) Acute injury
(C) Osteoporosis
(D) Fibromyalgia

View Answer

Answer: (B) Acute injury
Explanation: Massage therapy can exacerbate acute injuries by increasing inflammation and delaying the healing process.

Q20. Lymphatic drainage massage is particularly beneficial for clients with:

(A) Respiratory issues
(B) Lymphedema
(C) Digestive problems
(D) Muscular dystrophy

View Answer

Answer: (B) Lymphedema
Explanation: Lymphatic drainage massage is designed to promote the flow of lymph fluid and is particularly beneficial for clients with lymphedema.

Q21. Which special population requires a modified approach to avoid pressure on the abdomen during massage therapy?

(A) Infants
(B) Athletes
(C) Pregnant women
(D) Elderly clients

View Answer

Answer: (C) Pregnant women
Explanation: Pregnant women require a modified approach to avoid pressure on the abdomen, particularly in later stages of pregnancy.

Q22. When should massage therapy be avoided for clients with high blood pressure?

(A) During periods of stress
(B) When blood pressure is controlled with medication
(C) If they are experiencing a hypertensive crisis
(D) If they have mild hypertension

View Answer

Answer: (C) If they are experiencing a hypertensive crisis
Explanation: Massage therapy should be avoided during a hypertensive crisis due to the risk of exacerbating the condition.

Q23. For clients with diabetes, what is a key consideration during massage therapy?

(A) Avoiding the legs
(B) Monitoring blood glucose levels
(C) Increasing pressure
(D) Prolonged sessions

View Answer

Answer: (B) Monitoring blood glucose levels
Explanation: For clients with diabetes, it is important to monitor blood glucose levels to prevent hypoglycemic episodes during and after the massage session.

Q24. Clients with varicose veins require which type of precaution during massage therapy?

(A) Avoiding direct pressure on the veins
(B) Applying deep tissue techniques
(C) Increasing circulation
(D) Performing vigorous strokes

View Answer

Answer: (A) Avoiding direct pressure on the veins
Explanation: Direct pressure on varicose veins can cause pain and further damage, so it should be avoided during massage therapy.

Q25. Which condition requires massage therapists to be cautious about deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

(A) Chronic back pain
(B) Recent surgery
(C) Skin conditions
(D) Migraine headaches

View Answer

Answer: (B) Recent surgery
Explanation: Recent surgery can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and massage therapists must be cautious to avoid dislodging any clots.

Q26. When working with clients on chemotherapy, what is an important consideration?

(A) Enhancing muscle tone
(B) Avoiding areas of skin irritation
(C) Increasing pressure to improve circulation
(D) Prolonged sessions to reduce stress

View Answer

Answer: (B) Avoiding areas of skin irritation
Explanation: Clients undergoing chemotherapy may have areas of skin irritation or sensitivity, so these areas should be avoided during massage therapy.

Q27. What is a beneficial technique for clients with respiratory issues like asthma during massage?

(A) Deep tissue work on the chest
(B) Gentle, rhythmic strokes to promote relaxation
(C) Vigorous tapotement on the back
(D) Applying pressure to the abdomen

View Answer

Answer: (B) Gentle, rhythmic strokes to promote relaxation
Explanation: Gentle, rhythmic strokes can help promote relaxation and improve breathing for clients with respiratory issues like asthma.

Q28. Clients with osteoporosis are at increased risk for:

(A) Muscle strain
(B) Skin irritation
(C) Bone fractures
(D) Joint dislocation

View Answer

Answer: (C) Bone fractures
Explanation: Clients with osteoporosis have decreased bone density, making them more susceptible to bone fractures, so gentle techniques should be used.

Q29. When working with pediatric clients, what is an important consideration?

(A) Increased pressure
(B) Shorter session durations
(C) Vigorous techniques
(D) Enhanced muscle tone

View Answer

Answer: (B) Shorter session durations
Explanation: Pediatric clients typically require shorter session durations due to their smaller size and shorter attention spans.

Q30. For clients taking anti-anxiety medications, what is a common side effect that may impact massage therapy?

(A) Increased heart rate
(B) Drowsiness
(C) Enhanced muscle tone
(D) Increased energy levels

View Answer

Answer: (B) Drowsiness
Explanation: Anti-anxiety medications can cause drowsiness, which may require adjustments in the intensity and duration of the massage session.

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