01:20:00 Welcome to your Certification Online Exam May 9, 2025 For each item below, select the BEST answer and click the circle beside it. After you have completed all 50 items, click the submit button for your results. Name Email Phone Number 1. The most common site of back or pelvic pain in pregnant women is: the sacroiliac joints facet joints in spine scapulo-thoracic articulation acetabulum None 2. When working on pregnant client’s feet, avoid reflexive effect to the zones affecting: the legs the uterus and ovaries the breasts the stomach None 3. Lower back and sacrum pain in pregnancy is often the result of: tension in the rectus abdominus strain to the sacrouterine ligament of the uterus hormonal effects creating tighter spinal and pelvic ligaments referral from the placenta None 4. Massage therapy is appropriate, with some modifications, in most high-risk pregnancies: in the first trimester if a client feels that it's OK with the consultation of the primary health care provider never at any time in the pregnancy None 5. Intermittent, sharp pain in the lower abdomen, groin and down the anterior of one leg, particularly in the second trimester, is often a symptom of: iliopsoas spasm uterine round ligament stretching vulvar varicosity decreased pelvic floor strength None 6. In the first trimester: edema is normal throughout the body abdominal effleurage/rocking is recommended the negative effects of stress on fetal development are the greatest breasts do not enlarge significantly None 7. The safest positioning modification(s) to prevent supine hypotensive syndrome in both the second and third trimesters are: use prone positioning place a small pillow under right hip support the entire torso to achieve a 45°-75° angled, semi-reclining position there is no safe position for both the second and third trimester None 8. Research indicates that chronic or acute stress during pregnancy may: increase complications during pregnancy and labor ready the fetus for the realities of extra-uterine life have little negative effect on the newborn increase fetal size None 9. The best position to maximize maternal and fetal oxygen distribution is: left sidelying right sidelying semi-reclining supine None 10. Superficial massage of the abdomen is not recommended during the first trimester because: it causes miscarriages it increases blood pressure therapists are less likely to be implicated in any pregnancy losses it is uncomfortable None 11. Edema that is a normal part of pregnancy is characterized by: being on one side being non-pitting creating high estrogen levels happening in every trimester None 12. During pregnancy, deep pressure is not generally safe: in the hips due to sciatica in the lumbar musculature due to acupressure points in the neck or shoulders due to thoracic outlet syndrome in the medial aspect of the legs due to increased presence of thrombi None 13. Massage therapy in the prone position is potentially dangerous during pregnancy because: hypotension can occur blood clots may be distributed edema may become more severe pressure applied on the back may increase intrauterine pressure None 14. During pregnancy, the sidelying position provides: more strain to the low back maximum safety and comfort support for the breasts increased intra-uterine pressure None 15. The elements of proper sidelying position include all of the following except: sufficient and well placed supports to keep her spine horizontally aligned with torso relaxed without her holding herself while you work stabilization of her pelvis and legs with high bolsters to effortless align her ceiling-side hip, knee and ankle horizontally ignore painful pressure on her table-side shoulder and hip until she can turn to the other side adequate supports to her abdomen to prevent uterine ligament strain or pressure on her abdomen None 16. Pitting edema, systemic edema and swelling of the face and hands are all warning signs of: gestational hypertension disorders labor starting prematurely gestational diabetes placental separation None 17. Left sidelying positioning would be the most beneficial in all of the following except: decreased placental blood flow associated with hypertension premature placental separation lack of fetal oxygenation pubic symphysis dysfunction None 18. Physicians consider a pregnancy to be high risk when: the woman already has another child she has a greater than average likelihood of increased complications for mother and/or baby the woman is a vegetarian the woman has a job where she is very active None 19. Excessive pressure that exceeds client’s pain tolerance during a prenatal massage: is necessary to achieve the intended relaxation response stimulates a sympathetic arousal response in the mother and fetus encourages a gradual yielding of tissues and invites greater depth is okay on the lateral side of the legs only None 20. Labor preparation techniques that are appropriate for massage therapists include: working to help client develop kinesthetic awareness and flexibility creating high levels of pain to practice for labor perineal massage offering to replace her partner in the birth room None 21. The hormone, relaxin, supports healthy pregnancy and birth outcomes by: reducing the expectant woman’s emotional tension softening the pelvic joints to allow more space in the pelvis relaxing back muscle fibers preventing muscle strain and tension None 22. The role of the massage therapist in labor is: coaching the laboring woman delivering the baby providing relaxation and comfort for the laboring client and possibly others in the birthing team making decisions about necessary medical interventions None 23. Spleen 6, Liver 3 and Kidney 3 are all generally considered to be: potent pressure points to promote a healthy gestation difficult to palpate points that help stimulate or maintain uterine contractions in labor contraindicated during labor None 24. Musculoskeletal back pain can be distinguished from pain referred from organs because: it is more severe it worsens when standing it usually can be relieved by a change of position or activity it is tight and sharp None 25. All of the following are common causes of chronic back pain after being pregnant except: unresolved trigger points appropriate toning exercises restricted posterior structures unhealed diastis recti None 26. Breast or incision tenderness, milk leakage, and the epidural site are all issues to consider: as signs of postpartum complications in postpartum positioning for massage therapy as the cause of poor latch for breastfeeding as signs of postpartum depression None 27. One sign that a mother might be experiencing a postpartum complication is: her lochia turns brown her perineum is sore she thinks about harming herself or the baby she sweats profusely in the first seven days postpartum None 28. To reduce the likelihood of increasing symphysis pubis pain during pregnancy or postpartum, avoid: rolling over from the hands and knees position keeping your client in one position for the entire massage leg traction and large movements of the hip joint keeping the knees together while repositioning None 29. Continue all prenatal contraindications concerning circulatory massage therapy methods on the legs and pelvis for as long as: 5 to 6 weeks postpartum 8 to 10 weeks postpartum 5 to 6 months postpartum 8 to 10 days postpartum None 30. People who have Cesarean births have _________ higher risk of thromboembolism than those who birthed vaginally? two to three times five to six times equally at risk ten to twenty times None 31. A client with excessive ligamental laxity may need: distraction and stretching when you work with her joints joint compression maximum range of motion when working with joints no adjustments need to be made None 32. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are: a normal part of the postpartum period serious mental health conditions usually quick to resolve themselves if the mother breastfeeds only impacting the mother None 33. A condition worsened by the effects of the hormone relaxin is: pregnancy-related pevic girdle pain carpal tunnel syndrome edema bruising None 34. Why is it important to complete a thorough health history? so you do not get sued insurance reasons because you are responsible for the outcome of the birth professionalism, improved treatment plan and client safety None 35. A small study of massage with depressed second trimester women showed the following results except: babies were more likely to be premature reduced back and leg pain lower levels of stress-related neurotransmitters less reported anxiety None 36. When using joint mobilization and deep tissue sculpting, always reduce your contact: only when the client says she's in pain after 3 minutes slowly and gently abruptly None 37. The following techniques are safe and effective for allpregnancy-related gastrointestinal discomforts, such as constipation: reflexology to appropriate zones of feet Swedish colonic techniques rocking movements deep tissue to the abdomen None Reflexive modalities, such as reflexology and acupuncture, require the following to be effective Swedish strokes bone on bone pressure to specific points drainage strokes in specific areas skin rolling None 39. Deep tissue work is appropriate in pregnancy in one of the following areas: in the abdomen or in positions that otherwise create excessive intrauterine pressure on areas of varicose veins and spider veins in areas where clots are likely to develop the erector spinae None 40. What position is usually the recommended massage therapy position when there are amniotic fluid imbalances? semi-reclining supine left sideyling right sidelying None 41. The most important massage therapy adaptation for you to follow with abnormal fetal size or movement, unless you have a healthcare provider's consent for others, is: use semi-reclining position use left sidelying position place a pillow under right hip elevate her legs None 42. The following are the typical second trimester concerns except: round and broad ligament pain back, pelvic, hip and leg pain varicose and/or spider veins urinary frequency None 43. The separation of the rectus abdominus muscle, which commonly occurs in the last trimester of pregnancy, is called: linea alba pubis separation diastasis recti Cesarean birth scar None 44. Higher levels of progesterone during pregnancy dilate peripheral blood vessels often causing: spider veins an increase in blood pressure eclampsia stroke None 45. The most effective massage technique to help reduce "back labor” pain is: effleurage techniques to the abdomen counterpressure applied to the sacrum contraction distraction acupressure points on feet & calves None 46. The main categories of affective disorders include the following except: postpartum depression anxiety disorders posttraumatic stress disorder excessive weight gain None 47. A woman who has given birth by Cesarean may experience the following difficulties except: swelling, numbness, and/or or pain surrounding the incision severe abdominal and sub scapular pain from intestinal gas and air trapped under the diaphragm during surgery, and more painful contractions of uterine involution relief resulting in an extreme burst of energy, especially in the first few days guarding tension throughout her torso and hips None 48. If a woman is threatening a miscarriage, you should: offer her more water before, during, and after her session use only the semireclining position give her a deep, full body Swedish massage avoid deep and specific pressure over points with the potential for stimulating uterine contractions None 49. “T” is a 30-year old mother and almost 37 weeks pregnant. She is working full time and on her feet most of the day. She says her “body hurts all over,” has numbness and tingling in her arms and hands and recently removed her rings due to swelling in her fingers. Trisha tells you that she is “apprehensive” about receiving any massage on her baby as she had a previous pregnancy loss. In reviewing her health history form, you notice that she reports smoking cigarettes. She reports feeling Braxton-Hicks contractions, asks you about “those points around the ankles” and wants to know if you can “induce” her labor. Which of the following represents your good critical thinking on your next step: ask how she feels about her pregnancy loss and tell her that massage on her abdomen is good for this baby refuse to give her a massage because she is smoking during pregnancy and likely in premature labor use acupressure points for strengthening her uterine contractions throughout the massage prepare semi-reclined position for lymph drainage to her upper extremities None 50. “M” is 42 years old and pregnant for the first time. She schedules her first massage therapy appointment at 18 weeks and tells you that she and her partner always wanted to have children. After years hoping to get pregnant without success, they chose multiple rounds of in vitro fertilization before becoming pregnant. She is aware of the statistics showing an increased risk of complications at her age, and she feels “a lot is riding on this pregnancy.” She is debating whether or not to have an amniocentesis and wants to know your opinion. The option of terminating a pregnancy is “out of the question after all this time, effort, and money.” She reports feeling tired all the time, but jokingly attributes it to being “an old pregnant lady.” She reports having calf cramps every night and requests a full body prenatal massage. Which of the following represents your good critical thinking on your next step: reassure her that her baby is healthy so she does not need an amniocentesis actively listen to her concerns about her age and the baby’s well being and seek informed consent for including abdominal massage in her full body prenatal massage suggest that she reschedule her massage for her third trimester once the baby is viable for life outside the womb if born prematurely suggest that she can relieve her calf cramps at night by pointing her toes None Previous Next Next Time's upTime is Up!