Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) Quiz: Visual Assessment

During the initial visual assessment, a massage therapist observes that a client's chest and shoulders rise significantly with each inhalation, while there is minimal movement in the abdomen. This pattern is indicative of what?

During a lateral postural assessment, the therapist notes that the client's external auditory meatus is significantly anterior to the acromion process. This observation indicates which postural deviation?

A therapist observes a client from a lateral view and notes an increased lumbar curve and a forward and downward rotation of the pelvis. This combination is best described as what?

When performing a posterior visual assessment, the therapist asks the client to bend forward at the waist (Adam's forward bend test). The therapist observes a prominent rib hump on one side of the client's back. This is a classic sign of what?

A therapist conducts an anterior visual assessment of a client in a standing position and observes that their knees are touching while their medial malleoli are several inches apart. This alignment is referred to as what?

While observing a client's gait, the therapist notes that the client has difficulty clearing their foot from the floor during the forward-swinging motion of their leg, causing the toes to drag. This indicates a potential issue within which phase of gait?

A massage therapist is assessing a client's gait and focuses on the period from when the foot first contacts the ground until the entire foot is in contact with the ground. Which part of the gait cycle is being observed?

A client recovering from a recent knee injury walks into the clinic. The therapist observes that the client takes a quick, shortened step on the injured side. This type of limp is best described as what?

A new client who works as a computer programmer and spends over eight hours a day at a desk complains of chronic neck and shoulder pain.

Based on their occupation, which postural deviation is the therapist most likely to observe during the visual assessment?

During a posterior visual assessment, a therapist observes a lateral curve in a client's spine. To help differentiate between a functional and a structural scoliosis, the therapist should have the client perform which action?

A client with acute low back pain moves very slowly and deliberately, holding their torso rigidly as they sit down and as they get onto the massage table. This behavior is an example of what?

During a visual assessment, a therapist observes a client with forward head posture, increased thoracic kyphosis, and medially rotated shoulders. This cluster of findings is characteristic of what postural pattern?

A client presents with neck pain. During the visual assessment, the therapist observes that the client's head is tilted to the right and rotated to the left. This static posture is most characteristic of hypertonicity in which muscle?

A client is walking toward the therapist, who observes that the client's left hip drops significantly each time they put weight on their right leg. This gait pattern is indicative of weakness in which muscle?

What is the most appropriate first step in performing a client's visual assessment?

A therapist is observing the gait of a client with a history of right hip osteoarthritis. The therapist notes a significantly reduced stride length on the left side and observes that as the right leg moves into the terminal stance phase, the client's pelvis rotates anteriorly and their lumbar spine hyperextends.

This compensatory movement pattern is most likely occurring to make up for a lack of which motion at the right hip?

During a client's intake, the therapist observes them walking from the waiting room. The client displays a shortened stance phase on the right leg and a rapid, shortened swing phase of the left leg, as if to get off the right foot as quickly as possible.

Given this visual gait assessment, what is the most prudent first step for the therapist to take?

A postural assessment from the posterior view reveals the client's left shoulder is visibly higher than the right. Additionally, the client's head is tilted to the left and slightly rotated to the right.

This combination of visual cues most strongly suggests hypertonicity in which muscle?

During a gait assessment, a therapist notes that the client's medial longitudinal arch collapses inward and the calcaneus everts upon heel strike and through the midstance phase. This observation is noted bilaterally.

What compensatory pattern is most likely to be observed higher up the kinetic chain during a static postural assessment as a result of this foot mechanic?

A new client arrives for their appointment. During the initial visual assessment, the therapist observes that the client's right lower leg is significantly swollen, reddish in color, and the client states it feels warm and tender.

Based on these visual cues and the client's report, what is the most appropriate and safe course of action?