Anatomy & Physiology
Which anatomical structure connects the two hemispheres of the cerebrum?
A) Cerebellum
B) Temporal Lobe
C) Frontal Lobe
D) Corpus Callosum
D) Corpus Callosum
The Corpus Callosum connects the right and left hemisphere of the cerebrum. It facilitates communications between the two hemispheres and is the largest white matter structure in the brain.
When attempting to stimulate general nerve tissue, what type of mechanical force should the therapist use?
A) Tension
B) Shear
C) Compression
D) Bending
C) Compression
Compression occurs when two structures are pressed together. This massage technique is used when targeting nervous tissue, circulation, and the malleability of connective tissue. It is important, however, to avoid long sustained compression to nervous tissue as this could damage it.
Which of the following is not true of a wellness program?
A) Nutrition is an important component of wellness.
B) It should be uniquely tailored to every client's needs.
C) It strictly follows a set of pre-defined, universal steps.
D) It is usually designed to reduce physical and emotional stress.
C) It strictly follows a set of pre-defined, universal steps.
A wellness program need not strictly adhere to a pre-defined set of steps. Even if a client follows a program exactly planned, there is no universal solution that works for everyone. Instead, a wellness program should be tailored to each client's unique needs and goals.
When is sexual conversation appropriate with clients?
A) When working with a client whom the therapist is also dating
B) Only in a joking manner
C) When working with clients who are also friends
D) Never
D) Never
It is inappropriate for a massage therapist to engage in sexual conduct of any kind with a client. This includes both sexual touch and suggestive conversation.
Which of the following is not true of draping?
A) Only the area that is currently being massaged is undraped.
B) The genital area is never undraped.
C) Reusable draping materials on a massage table (such as sheets) should be changed once a day.
D) Disposable draping materials should be discarded after each client and not reused.
C) Reusable draping materials (such as sheets) should be changed once a day.
Draping can be done in many ways, but there are certain principles that always apply. Reusable draping material must be freshly laundered with bleach or other approved solution for each client. They should not be used on multiple clients, and therefore should be changed several times in one day of work. This rule does not apply if a therapist sees only one client on a given day.
What is the most accurate term for the windpipe?
A) Larynx
B) Trachea
C) Pharynx
D) Sinus
B) Trachea
The trachea, also called the windpipe, is located in the lower respiratory tract. The lower respiratory tract includes:
Which of the following is not a massage benefit for one’s skeletal system?
A) Improves the joints' flexibility
B) Improves the spine’s curvature
C) Stimulates the sensation of touch
D) Improves the range of motion of joints
C) Stimulating the sense of touch
A massage does not benefit the skeletal system by stimulating the sensation of touch. The integumentary and neurologic systems' benefits include the stimulation of touch.
When palpating the levator scapulae, which direction should the therapist strum the fingers to better locate the muscle?
A) Medially and slightly inferior followed by laterally and slightly superior
B) Superior to inferior
C) Dorsal to ventral
D) Anteriorly and slightly medial followed by posteriorly and slightly lateral
A) Medially and slightly inferior followed by laterally and slightly superior
In order to most effectively palpate a muscle, it should be strummed in a direction perpendicular to the muscle belly. The levator scapula connects to the superior tip of the scapula and travels medially and superiorly to the transverse processes of the upper cervical vertebrae. Therefore, to palpate perpendicularly to the muscle fibers, the fingers should move medially and slightly inferior followed by laterally and slightly superior, or vice versa.
If they intend to work professionally, a massage therapist must have _____?
A) Professional liability insurance.
B) A master's degree.
C) Health insurance.
D) Life insurance.
A) Professional liability insurance
Professional liability insurance (also called malpractice insurance) is useful if a client decides to file a lawsuit or press charges against a massage therapist because of treatment. This can happen to even the best of therapists. Insurance protects the massage therapist if this does occur and is vital to have while employed as a massage therapist.
Of the following options, which is the most effective way to reduce the spread of infection from one person to another?
A) Hand sanitizer
B) Use of gowns
C) Hand-washing
D) Use of gloves
C) Hand-washing
Washing one's hands with soap and water is the most effective way to reduce the spread of infection. This washes away the vast majority of contagious viruses and bacteria and should always be practiced by massage therapists, especially between clients or if contact is made with bodily fluids.
Which of the following describes a cutaneous region of the body supplied by a single spinal nerve?
A) Dermatome
B) Plexus
C) Myotome
D) Reflex
A) Dermatome
A dermatome is a cutaneous (skin) part of the body supplied by a single spinal nerve. Dermatomes are useful when assessing for sensory response and determining nerve involvement for a particular condition.
A massage therapist is seeing a client who has a large scar after a total shoulder replacement. They schedule weekly sessions, during which the therapist uses friction techniques in the effort to improve scar mobility. However, after several weeks, no change has occurred in the tissue. What is a likely cause of this?
A) The therapist is using the technique with the area stretched.
B) The therapist is performing the technique transversely to the scar.
C) The therapist is using the technique with the area relaxed.
D) The therapist is using massage oil with the technique.
D) The therapist is using massage oil with the technique.
Friction (especially deep friction) is used when attempting to target and move the tissues deep to the skin. If massage oil is used, the tissues will slide on one another, and the deep tissues will not be affected. Therefore, after weeks of using this technique in this scenario, it is likely the use of massage oil is inhibiting friction's beneficial effects.
There are a number of protocols that govern the process of an intake assessment. Which of the following statements is false?
A) Assessment is the process of identifying the structures that need to be addressed.
B) The massage therapist must refer to the primary care physician before assessing a client.
C) The massage therapist bases treatment goals and treatment plans on assessment data.
D) The assessment helps identify conditions in which a particular treatment may be contraindicated.
B) The massage therapist must refer to the primary care physician before assessing a client.
An assessment identifies the structures that need to be addressed, establishes clear treatment goals, provides a baseline of objective measurements, and identifies any conditions that may have contraindications. The massage therapist utilizes this information to plan the course of treatment and allow for optimal, specific outcomes.
Which of the following is not true of a professional code of ethics?
A) Different professional groups and governing bodies have developed various codes of ethics for massage therapists
B) Confidentiality is a key part of ethical behavior for anyone who works in healthcare
C) There are four widely agreed-upon ethical principles, which describe a therapist's Standards of Practice
D) There are no defined ethics for this profession; every massage therapist works entirely alone to create their own ethical code
D) There are no defined ethics for this profession; every massage therapist works entirely alone to create their own ethical code
As a massage therapist works to make the most ethical decisions, they should seek guidance from professional organizations, the local and national governing bodies, their employers, and their colleagues.
A massage therapist is disinfecting his massage table after a client came in contact with it. Of the following options, what is the best way to do this?
A) Placing a new sheet on top of the table
B) Wiping down the table with antibacterial soap
C) Wiping down the table with a water/vinegar solution
D) Putting the table through a pressurized steam bath
B) Wiping down the table with antibacterial soap
In order to disinfect a surface, chemicals must be used to destroy most pathogens. These chemicals could be alcohol, iodine, chlorine, or antibacterial/antimicrobial soap. Spraying and wiping down the table with an antibacterial soap is perfectly appropriate. This should be done before and after each session, regardless of whether the client comes into direct contact with the table. Because a client may sweat through a sheet, it is an insufficient barrier to prevent pathogen transmission.
Which layer of the skin acts as the insulation for the body?
A) Dermis
B) Hair follicles
C) Subcutaneous tissue
D) Epidermis
C) Subcutaneous tissue
The skin is made up of three layers: epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. The subcutaneous tissue attaches the dermis to the underlying structures. It is made up of fatty adipose tissue and acts as insulation for the body.
Fill in the blank: Massage has a known impact on T cell activity, improving immune function and benefiting the client's ____________.
A) nervous system
B) respiratory system
C) integumentary system
D) lymphatic system
D) lymphatic system
Massage has a known impact on T cell activity, improving immune function and benefiting the client's lymphatic system. Other benefits of massage to the lymphatic system include alleviating the symptoms of lymphedema, stimulating lymph circulation, and encouraging the body to process and remove toxins.
Which of the following is not an example of objective data that would be recorded in the objective section of a SOAP note?
A) Shoulder active range of motion to 120 degrees flexion
B) Review home exercise program during next session
C) Girth measurement over R ankle
D) Visible swelling and redness of L knee joint
B) Review home exercise program during next session
Objective, measurable data should be placed in the "O" section of a SOAP note. Range of motion, girth measurements and the observation of inflammation are all objective pieces of information.
Before arriving at work, a massage therapist receives the following text from the receptionist at her clinic: "Your 8:15 canceled." Is this an appropriate text?
A) Yes; confidential information about clients can safely be shared via text.
B) No; anyone could obtain access to the schedule and identify this client.
C) Yes; no personal information about the client is present.
D) No; the receptionist should have used the client's name to avoid confusion.
C) Yes; no personal information about the client is present.
It is sometimes necessary to discuss practical details about work by phone or text. When this occurs, none of the client's identifying information should be included. This safeguards the client's confidentiality. In this scenario, anyone seeing the text over the therapist's shoulder would simply see a time with no client name. This is perfectly acceptable.
Fill in the blank with the best option: When communicating feelings, a massage therapist should ___________.
A) adhere to HIPAA regulations
B) use reflective listening skills
C) use you-messages
D) be as specific as possible
D) be as specific as possible
When communicating feelings, a massage therapist should be as specific as possible. For example, consider replacing a word like "upset" with an alternative such as "concerned," "discouraged," "flustered," or something similar. This specificity improves communication and makes it easier to resolve conflict.
A tubercle bump that is found on the surface of a bone is best described by which of the following options?
A) Bump located above a condyle
B) Small, round bump
C) Large, round bump
D) Ridge
B) Small, round bump
A tubercle is a small, rounded bump on a bone, such as the adductor tubercle of the femur.
Fill in the blank: A _______________ is a small, hyperirritable area within a muscle that is painful when compressed.
A) tendon point
B) trigger point
C) pressure point
D) fusion point
B) trigger point
A trigger point is a small, hyperirritable area within a muscle that is painful when compressed. Trigger points can be located by palpating muscles. They are associated with muscle dysfunction and soft tissue pain. They often present with an area of referred pain, usually distal to the affected area, which may develop secondary trigger points.
Why is it important to trust your first impression when palpating?
A) The sensory receptors in the hand adjust to stimulus quickly.
B) The second time, palpating is often done with more pressure.
C) The client typically cannot tolerate palpation for a longer period of time.
D) The hands can fatigue quickly with palpation.
A) The sensory receptors in the hand adjust to stimulus quickly.
The hand is a highly innervated area, and the brain dedicates a large sensory area to it. Therefore, the hand is a very effective palpation tool, but the sensory receptors can adjust very quickly. This is why we stop noticing gloves or clothing after a while; the sensory receptors have adjusted to them. Therefore, if you palpate once, then again, and again, the sensation will be different, and the information your hand receives becomes less and less accurate. Trust the first impression.
A client has the right to information regarding their purpose and application of massage treatment and to decide if they feel comfortable with that approach before the intervention is initiated.
Which ethical principle does this describe?
A) Respect
B) Client autonomy and self-determination
C) Beneficence
D) Nonmaleficence
B) Client autonomy and self-determination
The principle of client autonomy refers to a massage therapist's responsibility to respect the client's right to have sufficient information to give informed consent.
Every massage therapist must follow eight principles that guide ethical professional behavior:
A massage therapist has recently graduated from school, where he learned about the basic principles of Western medicine. He is especially interested in working with clients who have spinal injuries and herniated discs. He secures employment in a chiropractor's office. A client comes to him and says she has experienced "great results" in the use of essential oils with other massage therapists, and would like him to use aromatherapy techniques during today's massage. What is the best course of action for this therapist to take?
A) Use essential oils during the session.
B) Politely explain to the client that aromatherapy is not an appropriate treatment application; if she wants to utilize essential oils on her own, she should proceed with caution.
C) Politely explain to the client that he is not trained in the use of essential oils, and refuse to treat her using this technique.
D) Do not treat the client with aromatherapy in the first session. In his own time, he should do some research into aromatherapy and begin using these techniques when he feels ready.
C) Politely explain to the client that he is not trained in the use of essential oils, and refuse to treat her using this technique.
Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils to produce particular outcomes, such as pain relief and the reduction of anxiety. Massage that utilizes aromatherapy can be very effective in treating serious conditions. However, this modality requires a great deal of study and training. Without the proper understanding of essential oils, a therapist may cause serious harm to a client. Given these concerns and his own specialized area of expertise, this particular massage therapist should decline to treat the client using aromatherapy.