MBLEx Sample Questions Answers

Skeletal muscles are reddish because they contain the red pigment myoglobin. Myoglobin is a globular protein similar to hemoglobin, the pigment in red blood cells that transports oxygen. Myoglobin also binds oxygen, making it available to skeletal muscles during muscle contraction.

The circadian rhythm is a term used to describe biological process that are governed by external factors like light and darkness or temperature. The circadian rhythm was first recorded in the 4th century BC and has been researched ever since. The evidence points to this clock being reset every 24 hours.

In almost all situations, the massage therapist needs to retain a strict confidentiality of the client’s information. However, there are certain exceptions, such as when the massage therapist feels in personal danger, when there are suspicions of a client abusing a child and whenever required by law.

Phantom pain is a phenomenon where a person experiences sensations of a limb or body part after it has been amputated. Phantom sensations have also occurred in people with removed organs and after a mastectomy.

Although it may seem cold and unfriendly, it is up to the client to approach the massage therapist if they wish in a public setting.

Lactic acid buildup occurs when the demand for energy exceeds the tissues ability to process the metabolic waste. Sprinting is the only activity mentioned that can create this scenario.

HIPAA or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, was established in 1996 to restrict access to individuals private medical records in an effort to protect patient/client rights.

Neutrophils, basophils and eosinophils are the three types of granular leukocytes (white blood cells) of the immune system which consume infectious diseases and foreign materials.

The radial nerve innervates all muscles of the posterior arm and this includes the triceps muscle.

A person who has been in an auto accident could have any number of injuries including shock. For the safety of the client and your protection as a therapist, the best recommendation is to refer the client for a medical evaluation before any treatment is considered.

Testing the range of motion while the client is moving under their own power is known as an active range of motion test.

A condyle is a large rounded area on a bone, usually at a joint articulation. A trochanter is a large projection from a bone. A spine or spinous process is a flat ridge-like flange protruding from a bone, typically a vertebra.

A Podiatrist is a doctor devoted to the study, diagnosis and treatment of disorders that affect the foot, ankle and lower leg. Practitioners of podiatry may focus on varying specialties within the field including primary care, orthopedics, biomechanics, pediatrics, geriatrics, sports medicine and surgery. Having an understanding of the different branches of medical providers will increase your effectiveness with your clients and allow for a better network of practitioners.

The anatomical term “linea” refers to a line or long ridge, such as the attachment site of the hamstrings along the linea aspera on the posterior aspect of the femur.

All directional terms use the anatomical position as the standard point of reference. The term “distal” refers to a structure that is located away from a base structure - for example, the hand is distal to the elbow.

When a client asks about the private matters of a common client/friend, they are trying to fill a gap that a massage therapist, as a professional, should not fill. The massage therapist may think the client making the request for information will respect the therapist for divulging privileged information but they will ultimately grow to distrust the therapist’s adherence to client confidentiality. The best answer is one that puts the focus back on them.

Passive ROM is when the therapist performs the movement of the client’s body. This is used to determine joint versus muscular dysfunctions.

Keloids are a type of scar tissue with an overgrowth of type 3 collagen fibers, creating firm, often shiny fibrous nodules. Cross fiber friction is best suited to break up and smooth over keloid tissue.

When a client performs an unassisted movement of their body, they are displaying an active ROM. This is used to determine the client’s natural range of motion.

A Golgi tendon organ or GTO provides the sensory component to the Golgi tendon reflex, a phenomenon that protects a muscle/tendon from an excessive load or stretch.

Long bones possess a cartilaginous zone between the diaphysis (midsection) and the epiphysis (end) called the epiphyseal plate. During childhood this allows the bone to continue growing in length. At some point the cartilage ossifies (becomes bone tissue), leaving a line of demarcation, the epiphyseal line. This indicates the bone has reached its adult length and no further growth in length will occur. However, the bone can continue to grow in diameter.

Hard end feel is the natural sensation at the end range of motion where bone meets bone such as elbow or knee extension. Since a hard end feel would indicate that the client’s joints are functioning normally, there would typically be no pain experienced.

A z-line is the dark band that separate sarcomeres and forms the borders where actin molecules within a muscle combine.

The suffix -plegia refers to a paralysis and is added to root words to distinguish a paralysis of that particular region or structure. An example is hemiplegia, which describes a paralysis on one half of the body.

The O is for objective, which is based on a therapist’s visual and physical findings of the client.

Sometimes a client can develop complex issues and it is important for a massage professional to “check in” with their own personal scope of practice to insure a healthy therapeutic relationship. In this case, the massage therapist should recommend another practitioner with special training to better assist the client.

The anatomical term “condyle” refers to a rounded articular process as in the medial or lateral condyles of the femur which articulate with the condyles of the tibia.

The clavicle connects to the scapula at the acromion process and this juncture is called the acromioclavicular joint.

The radial nerve divides into the superficial dorsal digital nerves and the deeper posterior interosseous nerve, located at the posterior aspect of the forearm.

During a forced exhalation, the abdominal muscles are engaged to assist the expulsion of air from the lungs.

Diffusion is the process where an area of higher concentration naturally flows into an area of lower concentration. Upon inspiration of air into the lungs, the alveolar sac is full of oxygen and the surrounding tissue is saturated with carbon dioxide rich blood. Next, the process of diffusion allows oxygen to flow into the blood from the alveolar sacs and carbon dioxide to flow from the blood into the alveolar sacs where it will be released through exhalation.

Torticollis is an atypical torsion contraction of the neck which distorts the balance and positioning of the head and neck to either one side or the other.

ABCDE refers to irregularities in skin. A - asymmetrical shape of skin B - border unevenness C - color variations D - diameter E - evolution Any changes in the ABCDE category is cause for a referral to a dermatologist.

Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in the body. Arterioles are the connecting vessels between arteries and capillaries. Venules are the connecting vessels between capillaries and veins.

Sepsis is a serious immunity response and inflammation of the entire body. It is often caused by a pathogenic infection but sometimes the condition can arise from or is complicated by an organ malfunction. Some symptoms are high fever, irregular heart and breathing rate, altered mental state and edema pathology.

The passive range of motion test assesses the antagonist muscles of the body. We are looking for the muscle that would inhibit rotation to the right. In this case, the left levator scapularis is the shortened muscle.

A crush or love interest is a natural occurrence, especially when a massage therapist is viewed as safe, comforting and a truly caring individual. However, acting on these natural feelings oversteps the boundaries and threatens the very ethos of the healing culture of massage therapy.

The anatomical term “foramen” refers to a hole or opening for nerves or tissues to pass through as in the foramen ovale of the sphenoid bone on the skull which allows several nerves, arteries and veins to pass through.

Elements are pure substances that are composed of a single type of atom. The fourth element missing from this statement is nitrogen, which is a key component of the amino acid chains that comprise proteins. Nitrogen is also found in the DNA and RNA of our gene codes.

The mesencephalon is also known as the midbrain, and is associated with arousal, hearing, motor control, vision, sleeping patterns and more.

An active trigger point is a muscle knot that causes pain at all times.

Deep pain on the bone with symptoms of infection are an indication of osteomyelitis. The only other option would by myositis, which is an inflammation of skeletal muscles. Since the client is experiencing deep pain on the bone, the indication would be osteomyelitis.

Meiosis is a specific type of cellular division which is necessary for sexual reproduction.

The S is for subjective, which is a description of the client’s experience.

FSH or follicle stimulating hormone, produced by the anterior portion of the pituitary gland regulates the reproductive processes of the body, including development, growth and maturation.

An individual person, working as a sole proprietor or as an independent contractor, must file the Schedule C for all related business income and expenses to calculate the net profit or loss of the business. Net profit or loss is then carried to IRS Form 1040.

Malpractice insurance is not required by Federal law. Regulations on massage vary from state to state. However, to adhere to sound business practices and for the protection of yourself and your clients, malpractice insurance is considered a necessity within the massage community.

A

The massage code of ethics is a standard of conduct that defines ethical behavior for a massage therapist. The question lists principles of the massage code of ethics.

Carbohydrate digestions occurs mainly in the small intestine where the pancreatic digestive enzyme amylase converts starches into maltose which is then converted to glucose by the enzyme maltase. Sucrase converts sucrose to glucose and lactase converts lactose to glucose in the small intestine as well.

The tendinoperiosteal junction is located between tendon and bone.

Thrombocytes or platelets, are essential to blood clotting. Thrombocytes create platelet plugs by releasing prothrombin at an injury site that bonds with calcium to form a clot.

The brain stem which provides the sensory and motor innervations of the face and neck consists of three parts: the medulla oblongata, pons and midbrain.

A grade 4 whiplash is a critical condition associated with extreme neck pain, cervical fractures and/or dislocations, possible spinal cord injury and serious soft tissue damage. Massage is contraindicated until the condition is stabilized and a medical release is provided.

Psychosomatic pain is often caused by emotional distress and thus has no know physical cause. Psychosomatic pain can be a result from a broken heart after a break up, feelings of being inadequate or from any number of depressive thought patterns.

The deep groove between the greater and lesser tubercules of the humerus is the home of the bicipital tendon which lies in the intertubercular groove, also known as the bicipital groove.

There are laws, rules and regulations against developing a sexual relationship with a client. If a sexual relationship existed prior to the client/therapist relationship, then continued sexual interaction is allowable. A typically safe amount of time to wait is 6 months after the client/therapist relationship has been dissolved (documented and signed by both parties) before pursuing a romantic interaction. However, the best path to preserving your career and avoiding a possible investigation is to never engage a client or previous client in any relations outside of a therapeutic environment.

Postural muscles work to sustain your posture within the gravity field. Both the pectoralis major and scalene muscles contribute to the postural integrity of the human body. Postural muscles consist of slow twitch fibers and are best suited for sustained work. They are also prone to hypertonicities.

There are two primary types of circulation systems in nature, one being open and the other being closed. In humans, the blood never leaves the intricate webbing of blood vessels and is thus considered a closed circulatory system. An open circulatory system is one where blood and interstitial fluid move freely within an organism, as in the case of gastropods, otherwise known as snails.

Whole hand nerve sensations with arm discoloration indicate compression at the thoracic outlet.

Soft tissue barriers represent the degree to which soft tissues can be manipulated for effective treatments. Understanding soft tissue barriers is an integral part of the assessment process.

The tibial nerve is a distal branch of the sciatic nerve which passes through the popliteal fossa where it divides into the medial and lateral plantar nerves.

Guyon’s canal syndrome is a compression of the ulnar nerve between the hook of the hamate and the pisiform bones located in the palm of the hand.

There are two types: myelinating and nonmyelating. Myelinating Schwann cells wrap around axons of motor and sensory neurons to form the myelin sheath, which acts to protect and support nerve functioning. Non-myelinating Schwann cells are involved with maintaining the health and vitality of the axon or nerve fiber.

Using your hands to assess the condition of a client is a palpation assessment.

The alimentary canal is the passageway from the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and ends at the anus. This canal is also the digestive tract.

The outside layer of the myelin sheath is called the neurilemma.

Auscultation is the Latin term for listening. Many health professionals use a stethoscope to apply the highly developed skill of auscultation to assess the heart, lungs and digestive system of their patients.

The musculotendinous junction is formed between the muscle and its respective tendon.

The occipital muscles act to anchor the head during mastication but add stress and strain to the temporalis and masseter when the occipitals are hypertonic.

During a postural assessment evaluation, it is important to note both intrinsic and extrinsic factors for postural deviations. An intrinsic factor would be an internal issue and therefore includes physical abnormalities as a shortened leg. ; An improperly fitted shoe would be an example of an extrinsic factor upon the body.