AMTA Client Assessment and Treatment Planning 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which part of the SOAP note documents the therapist's objective findings from palpation and observation?
- S — Subjective
- O — Objective (Correct answer)
- A — Assessment
- P — Plan
Correct answer: O — Objective
The Objective section of a SOAP note records measurable, observable findings such as palpation results, range of motion, and postural observations.
Question 2: During postural assessment, a high left shoulder and low right hip may suggest:
- Thoracic kyphosis
- A lateral spinal curvature or scoliosis (Correct answer)
- Lordotic lumbar curve
- Bilateral pes planus
Correct answer: A lateral spinal curvature or scoliosis
Uneven shoulder and hip heights in the frontal plane are classic visual indicators of lateral spinal curvature or scoliosis.
Question 3: Which of the following is an ABSOLUTE contraindication for massage therapy?
- Mild chronic low back pain
- Acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (Correct answer)
- Stable hypertension
- Controlled type 2 diabetes
Correct answer: Acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Acute DVT is an absolute contraindication because massage could dislodge the thrombus, causing a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism.
Question 4: A client reports pain that is described as 'burning and shooting down the leg.' This symptom pattern MOST suggests:
- Local muscle strain
- Nerve involvement or radiculopathy (Correct answer)
- Ligament sprain
- Bursitis
Correct answer: Nerve involvement or radiculopathy
Burning, shooting pain radiating along a limb is characteristic of nerve irritation or radiculopathy, suggesting caution before applying massage.
Question 5: What is the PRIMARY purpose of the intake health history form?
- To gather payment and insurance information
- To identify contraindications, cautions, and client goals for safe treatment planning (Correct answer)
- To document the therapist's credentials
- To meet state licensing requirements only
Correct answer: To identify contraindications, cautions, and client goals for safe treatment planning
The health history form is the primary tool for identifying contraindications and precautions to ensure the therapist can plan a safe, effective session.
Question 6: Range of motion (ROM) testing performed by moving the client's joint without their muscular assistance is called:
- Active ROM
- Resisted ROM
- Passive ROM (Correct answer)
- Functional ROM
Correct answer: Passive ROM
Passive ROM is performed by the therapist moving the joint through its range while the client remains relaxed, assessing joint and tissue mobility.
