2018 Edition

MBLEx Practice Exam

Take this free MBLEx practice exam to test your knowledge of massage therapy subjects.

The MBLEx is a standardized certification exam produced by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards and used by many states to license or certify massage therapists.

The massage exam sections below are based on actual exam sections: Anatomy and Physiology, Kinesiology, Pathology and Contraindications: Physiological Effects of Massage, Client Assessment, Massage History and Culture, Ethics, Boundaries, Laws and Regulations and Guidelines for Professional Practice.

To prepare for the MBLEx, use our 950 question practice exam for the MBLEx authored by Donovan Monroe, an educator in the field of massage therapy, with over 17 years of experience.

Anatomy & Physiology

1.	Endocrine glands secrete _______________ into the blood.
		a. lipids
		b. bile
		c. toxins
		d. hormones
d - The endocrine system is a series of glands which secrete specific types of hormones directly into the blood to aid and assist in the regulation of the body. Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

2.	Osteophyte is the technical term for:
		a. bone spur
		b. tooth
		c. bone fracture
		d. bone cancer
a - An osteophyte is the technical term for a bone spur. A bone spur is an abnormal bone growth caused by old age, articular degeneration, disease or excessive wear and tear during mechanical instability. Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

3.	Insulin and glucagon are hormones released from which of the following anatomical structures?
		a. pancreas
		b. liver
		c. adrenal gland
		d. thyroid
a - The pancreas plays a major role in both the endocrine and digestive system. As an endocrine gland the pancreas develops and releases insulin to lower blood sugar and glucagon to raise blood sugar levels as well as somatostatin to regulate the endocrine system. As a digestive organ the pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the chyme to further assist in breaking down carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

4.	Which of the following muscles would contribute to wrist abduction?
		a. Brachioradialis
		b. Extensor carpi radialis
		c. Flexor digitorum longus
		d. Extensor carpi ulnaris
b - Wrist abduction is another term for radial deviation of the wrist. Of the muscles listed, the extensor carpi radialis is the muscle responsible for wrist abduction, which is to laterally extend the wrist away from the body while in correct anatomical position. Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

5.	What is another name for the alimentary canal?
		a. Ear canal
		b. Digestive tract
		c. Hepatic portal vein
		d. Nasal cavity
b - 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. Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

Kinesiology

6.	Which of the following joints classifications would be described as slightly moveable?
		a. synathrosis
		b. diarthrosis
		c. amphiarthrosis
		d. synovial
c - A slightly moveable joint is classified as an amphiarthrosis joint. Examples of these joints are found in the rib cage at the articulation of the rib with the sternum as well as the bones in the spinal column. Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

7.	Which muscle is a synergist to lateral rotation of the hip?
		a. Gemellus inferior
		b. Pectinius
		c. Adductor magnus
		d. Tensor fascia latae
a - Gemellus inferior, one of the seven deep lateral rotators of the hip, is a synergist of lateral rotation of the hip. Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

8.	What type of joint is the first carpometacarpal joint?
		a. hinge
		b. saddle
		c. gliding
		d. pivot
b - The first carpometacarpal joint is the location of the thumb. The dynamic movement of the thumb is due to the saddle joint which allows for up and down as well as back and forth motions. Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

9.	What would you call a sudden and painful involuntary muscle contraction in a client?
		a. convulsion
		b. contracture
		c. spasm
		d. hypotonicity
c - A sudden and painful involuntary muscle contraction is a spasm or muscle cramp. Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

Pathology & Contraindications

10.	Tinea relates to which type of skin infection?
		a. parasitic
		b. bacterial
		c. viral
		d. fungal
d - Tinea is a general term describing skin mycoses, which is a fungal infection of both animals and humans. Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

MBLEx Practice Exam Questions Answers Study

11.	Which response is most likely to occur during anaphylaxis?
		a. Anger
		b. Euphoria
		c. Depression
		d. Shock
d - Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction whose symptoms accelerates rapidly and can cause a person to go into a state of shock or even death. Symptoms can include an itchy rash, throat swelling and low blood pressure. Some common causes include insect bites/stings, foods and medications/drugs. Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

12.	What is the condition when a person experiences sensations that they are moving while being still?
		a. vertigo
		b. dystonia
		c. peripheral neuropathy
		d. dementia
a - A person experiencing movement while being still are symptoms of vertigo. A dysfunction of the vestibular system within the inner ear causes vertigo and the additional symptoms of nausea, vomiting and difficulty standing still. Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

13.	When a client's skin is discolored with a bluish tint, this would be an indication of which body system dysfunction?
		a. skin
		b. nervous
		c. muscular
		d. cardiovascular
d - The bluish tint in a person's skin is an indication of a cardiovascular issue and is due to a lack of oxygen within the blood also known as hypoxia. Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

Physiological Effects of Massage

14.	Massage creates the pleasure and feel good response by stimulating the releases of which neuroendocrine chemical?
		a. serotonin
		b. dopamine
		c. epinephrine
		d. cortisol
b - Dopamine is the neuroendocrine chemical responsible for many processes within the body including muscle movement, emotion, motivation, joy as well as pleasure and satisfaction. When we are able to create a satisfactory massage experience for our clients, we help release dopamine and in effect create a feel good response. Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

15.	What does the term palliative refer to?
		a. Deep, intense pressure
		b. Soothe and relieve
		c. Medical assessment
		d. Palpate
b - Palliative care in terms of health and wellness is to relieve the suffering of a client or patient. The type of palliative care provided during massage is to soothe and relieve. Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

16.	Massage typically raises cortisol in a client.
		true
		false
False - Cortisol is typically reduced during a massage through the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. High levels of stress are common causes of elevated cortisol and an indication of an overactive sympathetic nervous system responsible for the "fight or flight" response. Excess cortisol production suppresses the immune system and is a major contributing factor for weight gain, high blood pressure, fatigue and disease. Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

17.	What is a scientific benefit of aromatherapy in relation to allopathic medicine?
		a. relaxation
		b. energizing
		c. antimicrobial
		d. pain relief
c - Aromatherapy uses plant based essential oils for treatment of various conditions. Many of the oils possess antimicrobial properties and have been incorporated into western medical treatments to fight against infections and disease. Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

Client Assessment

18.	A 56 year old client enters the office for their appointment and complains of deep pain in their thigh. They state the pain feels like it is on the bone. The client also states they have a mild fever and feel nauseous. The client is a diabetic. A closer inspection of the affected leg shows signs of redness and swelling. Which of the following conditions is most likely present?
		a. bursitis
		b. myositis
		c. osteomyelitis
		d. fibromyalgia
c - Deep pain on the bone with symptoms of infection are an indication of osteomyelitis. Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

19.	A 56 year old client enters the office for their appointment and complains of deep pain in their thigh. They state the pain feels like it is on the bone. The client also states they have a mild fever and feel nauseous. The client is a diabetic. A closer inspection of the affected leg shows signs of redness and swelling. Which of the following actions should you take as the practitioner?
		a. massage client and suggest an NSAID
		b. massage client and instruct to seek medical attention soon
		c. cancel appointment and send them home
		d. cancel appointment and instruct to seek medical attention immediately
d - Massage is contraindicated for fever and/or inflamed, swollen tissue. Osteomyelitis is a very serious condition that can result in death or amputation. Advising the client to seek immediate medical attention is the best recommendation. Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

20.	A regular client has recently complained of pain in the arches of their feet, which of the following healthcare providers should you refer your client to?
		a. Physical Therapist
		b. Chiropractor
		c. Orthopedist
		d. Podiatrist
d - A Podiatrist is a doctor devoted to the study, diagnosis and treatment of disorders of 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. Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

Massage History & Culture

21.	Who is credited with reintroducing massage into the medical profession?
		a. Janet Travell
		b. Delores Krieger
		c. James B. Mennell
		d. Sir William Bennett
d - Sir William Bennett reintroduced massage techniques to fellow surgeons in London as a treatment modality for fractures and for relief of spasmodic muscular pain. In 1898, he created the massage therapy department at St. George's Hospital in London. Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

22.	Rolfing was first named _________________.
		a. neuromuscular therapy
		b. polarity therapy
		c. zero balancing
		d. structural integration
d - Dr. Ida P. Rolf developed and taught a system of bodywork which focused on reorganizing and aligning the structure of a human being within the field of gravity. She first referred to this system as structural integration. Over the years, the nickname rolfing eventually took place as the official term to describe her unique approach to bodywork. Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

23.	Who is credited for developing and teaching Swedish Massage?
		a. Hippocrates
		b. Bonnie Pruden
		c. Per Henrik Ling
		d. Ruth Rice
c - Per Henrik Ling (b: 15 November 1776 - d: 3 May 1839) as a physical therapist, developed a series of techniques referred to as medical-gymnastics to help restore health to his patients. However, the Dutch practitioner Johan Georg Mezger applied French names to a simplified set of 5 strokes from the medical-gymnastic catalog which became effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction and vibration. Swedish massage is known as "classic massage" throughout the world. Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

24.	Tuina was originally created for which form of massage?
		a. pediatric
		b. geriatric
		c. lymphatic
		d. oncology
a - Tuina was initially used to treat pediatric diseases by using a push-grasp or poke-pinch technique to stimulate a child's natural healing abilities. Tuina dates back to the Shang Dynasty of China around 1700 B.C. In current times Tuina is used to treat people of all ages by balancing the flow of energy (Qi). Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

Ethics, Boundaries, Laws & Regulations

25.	Malpractice insurance is a requirement by Federal law.
		true
		false
False - 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. Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

26.	What do boundaries clarify?
		a. our needs and desires
		b. our need to protect ourselves
		c. our need to protect our clients
		d. our personal limits and expectations
d - Having clear boundaries will assist in knowing when our personal limits have been reached and what we should expect from ourselves and our clients within a professional relationship. Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

27.	When are we allowed an ethical breach of confidentiality with our clients information?
		a. when we are placed in danger
		b. when required by law or court order
		c. suspicion of child abuse
		d. all of the above
d - In almost every situation we need to retain a strict confidentiality of our clients. However, there are certain exceptions and these are when we feel we are in personal danger, when we are suspicious of a client abusing a child and whenever required by law. Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

Guidelines for Professional Practice

28.	A potential client calls to make an appointment for a massage. They claim they were in an auto accident yesterday and have not seen a doctor yet. What is the best procedure?
		a. book the appointment immediately
		b. book them within next week
		c. refer to another therapist
		d. refer to a doctor
d - 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. Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

29.	Maintaining our therapeutic relationship with our clients is very important, which of the following guidelines should we not rely upon?
		a. intuition
		b. framework
		c. boundaries
		d. ethics
a - Intuition is a wonderful aspect of our psyche and can be one of our greatest qualities. However, in the complex world of maintaining our therapeutic relationships we must have a solid framework in place, we must have clear boundaries and we should always abide by the ethics set forth by our profession. Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

30.	A client states that you remind them of their mother/father. This is a sign of _______________.
		a. countertransference
		b. projection
		c. transference
		d. instability
c - Transference is a psychological phenomenon in which a person unconsciously redirects their feelings about one person onto another. This often occurs with people transferring feelings about their parents onto figures they perceive to be in an authority role. Incorrect answer, please choose another answer.

MBLEx is a trademark of the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) that did not produce or endorse this material.

Donovan Monroe, LMT

Donovan is the author of our MBLEx Practice Exam. He teaches seminars in advanced therapy techniques and continuing education classes on various subjects and is currently licensed as a massage therapist in Portland, Oregon.

The MBLEx is a national exam that is required by individual states to license massage therapists. The exam is used to ensure candidates for licensure are qualified to practice massage therapy. Learn more about this test with The Guide to the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).

Other Massage Test Resources on Tests.com:

NCETM and NCETMB

Massage Exam and Licensing Requirements by State

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