MBLEX study questions

Which tax form would an independent contractor of a wellness center receive at the end of the calendar year? a. 1099 b. W2 c. W4 d. 1040

a. 1099

How many phalanges do each of the second through fifth toes contain? a. 3 b. 4 c. 2 d. 1

a. 3

When friction is applied to the skin, it increases the dissipation of heat by approximately ___. a. 95% b. 80% c. 75% d. 60%

a. 95% Friction encourages circulation by accelerating the flow of the blood and the lymph by emptying the veins, lymph spaces, and channels.

Which of the following techniques should be avoided when massaging appendages presenting with signs of overuse such as varicose veins, swelling or other warnings of poor circulation? a. Deep effleurage proximal to distal, medial to lateral. b. Petrissage, to mimic the contractions used in exercise. c. "Toward the heart" where strokes move in the direction of the venous return. d. Deep effleurage distal to proximal, lateral to medial

a. Deep effleurage proximal to distal, medial to lateral. Using deep effleurage proximal to distal or medial to lateral could create excess pressure on the veins and prove troublesome if there are varicose veins or any sort of swelling or circulatory issues. On the other hand, deep effleurage distal to proximal, later to medial will encourage ease on the veins and healthy blood circulation. Petrissage helps oxygenate and move blood toward larger veins. By using strokes in the direction of venous return, the therapist eases blood toward the heart and ultimately creates easier oxygenation for the whole body.

When standing still in front of a closed door and pushing on it without it moving, the muscle action/tension is called: a. Isometric b. Isotonic c. Concentric d. Eccentric

a. Isometric In isometric exercise and contraction, the muscle length does not change, but the tension does. In an isotonic exercise, the muscle length changes, but the tension does not. A concentric contraction is the shortening of the muscle fiber, where an eccentric contraction is the lengthening of a muscle fiber.

Which phase is part of mitosis? a. Metaphase b. G2 phase c. G1 phase d. S phase

a. Metaphase

Massage reduces blood pressure by simulating which of the following: a. Parasympathetic nervous system b. Sympathetic nervous system c. Muscular system d. Circulatory system

a. Parasympathetic nervous system Massage reduces blood pressure by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system and getting a relaxation response. This innervates the vagus nerve and slows the heart rate down while causing vasodilation reducing blood pressure overall.

What type of joint would be affected by rotator cuff tendinitis? a. Synovial joint b. Fibrous joint c. Cartilaginous joint d. Sutures

a. Synovial joints They are characterized by synovial fluid within the joint space. Types of synovial joints include gliding, condyloid, saddle, hinge, ball and socket, and pivot joints. Rotator cuff muscles include supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. Inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons (tendinitis) would impede the range of motion in the shoulder, which is a ball and socket joint.

Which of the following is not a type of oriental massage therapy ________________. a. Tai Chi Chuan b. Jin Shin So c. Shiatsu d. Amma

a. Tai Chi Chuan Tai Chi Chuan refers to a type of Chinese martial art. Jin Shin Do is a type of therapeutic acupressure. Shiatsu is a Japanese style of bodywork using finger pressure on specific points and lines of the body in order to restore energy flow. Anma is a type of Chinese massage, and is where Shiatsu came from.

Which modality was created originally for pediatric clients as an option for acupuncture? a. Tuina b. Amma c. Shiatsu d. Reflexology

a. Tuina Tuina uses the theory of acupuncture where the practitioner uses finger pressure to stimulate the acupuncture points. Originally, it was used to treat pediatric medical conditions with poke-pinch and push-grasp techniques to stimulate a child's natural healing processes.

Which of the following are not accepted goals of massage? a. medically treat physical defects b. ease symptons of tension and fatigue c. ease symptoms of injury or disease d. releive pain

a. medically treat physical defects Medical treatment is not within a massage therapists scope of practice. The other answers are goals of massage.

Which type of data is obtained through assessment by palpation? a. Neither b. Both c. Subjective d. Objective

b. Both Assessment by palpation is both objective and subjective. Many therapists use palpation as the primary form of assessment, but it is most accurate when used in conjunction with other assessment skills. For example, with a painful condition where the pain is radiating or referred; observation and examination isolate the cause of the pain and then palpation pinpoints the source.

What connective tissue ensheaths the entire muscle? a. Endomysium b. Fascia c. Epimysium d. Muscle fiber

c. Epimysium Literally meaning on or above the muscle. It creates a fibrous envelope which surrounds each skeletal muscle, protecting them from friction. Endomysium literally means within the muscle; it ensheaths each myocyte, capillary, and nerve. Fascia surrounds, stabilizes, and separates muscles and organs. Muscle fiber is a building block of the muscle, often cylindrical containing more than one nucleus and made of many myofibrils which respond to stimulation by contracting.

What plane divides the body into front and back regions? a. Tranverse (horizontal) plane b. Lateral (Sagittal) plane c. Frontal (coronal) plane d. Midsagittal (median) plane

c. Frontal (coronal) plane Transverse refers to the plane dividing the upper trunk from the lower body horizontally. Lateral plane or sagittal plane divides the body into left and right sides vertically. Midsagittal plane is just like the lateral or sagittal, only it specifies the direct center of the body as the division line.

When performing a post isometric relaxation stretch the target muscle is lengthened until a mild stretch is felt. At that point the target muscle is contracted and then relaxed so the muscle can lengthen further. This is an example of innervating this proprioceptor: a. Meissner corpuscle b. Pacinian corpuscle c. Golgi tendon organ d. Muscle spindle

c. Golgi tendon organ Golgi tendon organ detects increases in tension of a muscle to prevent injury. If muscle tension is substantial in relation to the amount of force the muscle can generate it inhibits the muscle's ability to contract. Utilizing this reflex allows one to increase a stretch without the muscle resisting it. The muscle spindle when stimulated contracts the muscle. The Meissner corpuscle detects slippage of skin. And the Pacinian corpuscle detects pressure and high vibration frequency in the skin.

Which of the following muscles attach to the ischial tuberosity? a. Sartorius b. Quadriceps c. Hamstrings d. Extensor Hallucis Longus

c. Hamstrings The ischial tuberosity is the posterior portion of the ramus of the ischium, where body weight is supported.

Which of the following is NOT an example of dry heat? a. Microwave b. Infrared radiation c. Heating pad d. Sauna

c. Heating pad

A client presents with a small bulge at the bottom of his rib cage above his abdomen. The client tells you he has a hernia. What type of hernia does he have? a. Umbilical hernia b. Incisional hernia c. Hiatal hernia d. Inguinal hernia

c. Hiatal hernia A hiatal hernia occurs when the stomach bulges through the muscles separating the abdomen from the diaphragm due to weakened abdominal muscles. A small hiatal hernia usually does not cause problems but a large one can cause food and reflux to back up in the esophagus. The other types of hernias occur in other locations torso - umbilical (navel), inguinal (groin) and incisional (lower in the abdomen area)

A client comes in with a sprain that occurred "3 or 4 days ago". How do you treat the area? a. Do not massage that limb of the body. b. Massage distal to encourage refreshed circulation and healing. c. Massage proximal to encourage refreshed circulation and healing. d. Massage the whole area gently placing a little more pressure at the injury site.

c. Massage proximal to encourage refreshed circulation and healing. Massaging proximal to the sprain will encourage more efficient healing and any residual swelling to be handled by the lymphatic system. Answer option A is incorrect, as it is fine to massage the limb. Answer option D would likely irritate or re-inflame the injury and B may encourage swelling below and around the injury.

With an arm pinned to the side of the body at a 90-degree angle and the palm facing up, what is the movement of the forearm that rotates the palm to face downward? a. Flexion b. Abduction c. Pronation d. Supination

c. Pronation Abduction would occur if she lifted her arm straight up. Supination would be returning the hand where it was, palm facing upward

Smooth muscle is also known as ___________________. a. Skeletal muscle b. Cardiac muscle c. Visceral muscle d. Striated muscle

c. Visceral muscle Visceral muscle is smooth muscle associated with the organs, especially those in the abdominal cavity. Skeletal muscle is a form of striated muscle. Cardiac muscle is only found in the heart and is its own classification. Striated muscle is composed of sarcomeres which form contractile fibrils and then run parallel to one another in small groupings creating muscle marked in dark and light bands. It includes skeletal, cardiac muscle and most of our other muscles.

During the repair phase of healing, stretching is a preferred technique. Why? a. Inflammation is still present. b. The focus is to break down the scar tissue. c. Want to allow scar formation. d. To create a mild inflammation.

c. Want to allow scar formation. The inflammatory phase has ended when the repair phase starts. In the repair phase, granular substance, collagen, and fibrinogen fill in the lesion and the formation of the scar begins, but it's too fragile for any vigorous techniques. So mild stretching and range of motion combined with MICE (movement, ice, compression, elevation) are indicated to help organize the fibers linearly. It's during the remodeling phase when more vigorous techniques are applied and the focus is to break down the scar tissue a little and create functional inflammation to strengthen the scar.

What is the primary function of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)? a. It stimulates cell growth and replication b. It stimulates smooth muscle contractions in the wall of the uterus c. It increases production of melanocytes in the skin d. It decreases the amount of water lost from the kidneys

d. It decreases the amount of water lost from the kidneys With the loss minimized, water absorbed from the digestive tract will be retained, which reduces the concentrations of electrolytes in the extracellular fluid. ADH release is inhibited by alcohol, which is why there is an increase in fluid excretion after consuming alcoholic beverages.

If a massage therapist invokes a therapist's "right of refusal" to give massage in a case where massage is contraindicated, which specific principle of massage therapy is upheld? a. Beneficence b. Non-beneficence c. Maleficence d. Non-maleficence

d. Non-maleficence The principles of beneficence and non-maleficence are obligations of the massage therapist to maximize the possible benefits of massage (beneficence) and to avoid or minimize possible harms to the client (non-maleficence). Both principles are based on what's in the client's best interest. Non-maleficence requires a massage therapist to refrain from something that goes against the client's interest.

All of the following are bone density and connective tissue disorders which require a doctor's approval to proceed with massage, except this disorder for which clearance cannot be given while the disorder is still present: a. Osteogenesis Imperfecta b. Osteoporosis c. Osteopenia d. Osteomyelitis

d. Osteomyelitis Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone tissues and marrow caused by staph or strep resulting from a compromised bone from injury or surgery. Massage is contraindicated and a doctor's clearance cannot be given for massage while the infection is still present. For the other answer options, a doctor's clearance for massage is required. However, deep or high-pressure massage would be contraindicated even with a doctor's clearance. Osteogenesis Imperfecta is a defective development of connective tissue where the bones become fragile. Osteopenia is lowered bone density and often the precursor to Osteoporosis, which is a loss of bone tissue causing fragile or porous bones.

What is the physiology behind the feeling of well-being brought on by massage attributed to? a. Improved Immunity b. Triggering of Golgi Tendon Organs c. Heightened postural awareness d. Release of endorphins

d. Release of endorphins The feelings of wellbeing are believed to result from the release of endorphins stimulated by the safe and caring touch of massage. While the other three answer options ring true, they are not the best answer for this question

The scapula hosts many attachment sites. The lateral border is the attachment site for the: a. Teres major and Subscapularis b. Teres minor and Subscapularis c. Supraspinatus and Infraspinatus d. Teres major and Teres Minor

d. Teres major and Teres Minor The subscapularis attaches at the lesser tubercle and the infraspinatus attaches to the anterior aspect of the scapula.

Which three classes of lymphocytes circulate in the bloodstream? a. Cytotoxic T cells, stromal cells, and plasma cells b. B cells, NK cells, and stromal cells c. Cytotoxic T cells, helper T cells, and suppressor T cells d. Thymus-dependent T cells, bone marrow-derived B cells, and natural killer cells

d. Thymus-dependent T cells, bone marrow-derived B cells, and natural killer cells T cells make up approximately 80% of circulating lymphocytes, while B cells make up 10-15%, and the remaining 5-10% is made up of NK cells.

A client presents with diagnosed Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Should this be addressed by a massage therapist? If so, how? a. Yes, with applied pressure directly to the wrist, as with Trigger Point Therapy. b. No, the only functional treatment for CTS is surgery. c. Yes, by both breaking down scar tissue in the wrist and massaging all involved muscles. d. No. Encourage nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDS and avoid the affected arm completely.

Massage can help restore full ROM as well as alleviate increased stress on the wrist. The massage therapist should encourage the client to take breaks from heavy wrist work to avoid overuse flare ups. Answer option A is incorrect, as it may irritate the already inflamed ligaments. Answer option B is incorrect. While surgery is an option, it is far from the only option. Finally, there is no reason to avoid the arm, though NSAIDS may help alleviate pain temporarily.

Which of the following is NOT an effective, safe massage treatment for someone with COPD? a. Tapotement of the posterior rib cage. b. Myofascial Release Therapy on the sternocleidomastoid, the scalenes and the suboccipitals. c. Lymphatic massage, especially in an advanced COPD. d. Focused neuromuscular release therapy for the latissimus dorsi, serratus anterior, intercostals and pectoralis muscles.

b. Myofascial Release Therapy on the sternocleidomastoid, the scalenes and the suboccipitals. Tapotement of the posterior rib cage is good for helping break up and release some of the potential mucus build-ups. Working with the breathing muscles mentioned in answer option D will help loosen the muscles involved with breathing. During the advanced stages of COPD, lymphatic massage may help to move stagnant lymph and ease breathing.

A client is experiencing pain related to exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis and has requested a massage. Is massage during this period safe for the client? a. Yes, as long as the client communicates her level of pain tolerance b. No, massage will worsen any inflammation during this period c. No, massage is not safe for individuals with RA either during symptom exacerbation or remission d. Yes, because gentle massage can reduce stress and provide comfort

b. No, massage will worsen any inflammation during this period

The ability to guide the session, act as the authority and maintain healthy boundaries and a therapeutic relationship is called what? a. Transference b. Power Differential c. Professionalism d. Countertransference

b. Power Differential The power differential in massage arises out of the authority a client grants to the massage therapist and the client's perception of the massage therapist as skilled in their profession. Professionalism is not the best answer in this question. Transference relates to when a client displaces feelings for another person on the therapist. Countertransference is when the displacement of feelings for another goes from the therapist to the client.

Skeletal muscles normally work __________________. a. one at a time b. in groups c. isometrically d. automatically

b. in groups Muscles have to work in at least pairs as antagonists because they pull bone without pushing them. So, one muscle works to flex and the other to extend. Isometrically is one version of how we can use our muscles. This just means that we can use more or less pressure but the distance will stay the same. An example is pushing on a locked door. While we have some muscles that move automatically, like our heart that moves without intention, our skeletal muscles are not among them generally.

Deep friction massage is indicated in which stage of healing? a. During the inflammation phase b. During the regeneration phase c. During the remodeling phase d. All of the above

c. During the remodeling phase Deep friction massage during this stage of healing helps form strong mobile scar tissue and break apart any interfiber adhesions to help regain full painless ROM. Massage is generally locally contraindicated during the inflammation phase. During the repair or regeneration stage, it is important to work on range of motion which can help with oxygenation and circulation. Deep friction massage may create more or exacerbated injury as new fibers are still being created.

Therapists should maintain clear standards of practice for client draping to avoid crossing the: a. emotional boundary b. social boundary c. physical boundary d. professional boundary

c. physical boundary Having clear and consistent draping policies for all bodywork sessions in accordance with the standards of practice is necessary to avoid crossing the physical (or sexual) boundaries of the client as well as to maintain privacy and maintaining trust within the therapist/client relationship.

Which cranial nerve innervates the lateral rectus muscle? a. Vagus b. Vestibulocochlear c. Oculomotor d. Abducens

d. Abducens This pair of nerves originate in the pons and passes through the superior orbital fissures of the sphenoid bone. They are the sixth pair of extra-ocular muscles and essentially cause abduction of the eye.

During an assessment, a massage therapist asks a client to stand facing the right. What is the therapist assessing? a. Spinal curvature b. Forward head carriage c. Posture d. All of the above

d. All of the above The therapist is assessing the curvature of the spine, which may include forward head carriage and posture, to understand which muscles are working overtime and which are not working enough. The therapist will also look for any imbalances in the left and right sides and to get an idea of the direction of the spinal curvature, especially if the client may have scoliosis. These observations may lead to a better understanding of the cause of any pain in particular muscle groups and much more. These observations may even give insight into how the client's lifestyle is affecting the shape of the body and help provide an intentional and therapeutic massage.

Where bones meet to form a joint. a. Ligament b. Enthesis c. Bursa d. Articulation

d. Articulation A ligament is connective tissue that attaches bone to bone. Enthesis is connective tissue between a ligament and bone or between a bone and a tendon. Bursa is the fluid filled sac found between bones at the joint to counter friction.

All of the following are serious contraindications for massage except: a. Systemic or contagious/infectious diseases b. Frostbite c. Acute flare-up of rheumatoid arthritis d. Borborygmus

d. Borborygmus Borborygmus is the sound of a rumbling tummy, so is not contraindicated for massage. Answer option A is incorrect because a massage therapist does not want to spread, exacerbate or contract the disease, even if it is the common cold. Massaging frostbitten areas can cause more or worsened tissue damage. Also, a therapist does not want to create more inflammation and/or pain by massaging areas with acute flare-ups of rheumatoid arthritis.

Which muscles of the forearm make up the "wad of three?" a. Brachioradialis, anconeus, extensor carpi ulnaris b. Extensor indicis, extensor digitorum, extensor retinaculum c. Extensor carpi ulnaris, extensor digitorum, extensor digiti minimi d. Brachioradialis, extensor carpi radialis longus, extensor carpi radialis brevis

d. Brachioradialis, extensor carpi radialis longus, extensor carpi radialis brevis

A client complains of feeling cranky, being nervous, having frequent headaches, with a tingly feeling in her skin. She also has trouble sleeping. Of the following, which condition may be causing these symptoms? a. Anxiety b. ADHD c. Hyperglycemia d. Hypoglycemia

d. Hypoglycemia It is usually related to diabetes but can be caused by other conditions. Treatment of the condition includes eating of foods with high sugar content or taking medications, to quickly return the blood sugar level to a normal range. Hyperglycemia is high blood sugar often associated with diabetes. Its main symptoms are being thirsty and frequent need to urinate.