PMC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield PMC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. When teaching massage to a teenage parent, the instructor should adjust the educational approach by: → Incorporating peer support, relatable examples, and interactive activities
2. Which muscle is the largest and most developed at birth, making it a common site of infant massage? → Quadriceps femoris
3. What is the primary concern when massaging a child with osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease)? → Risk of fracture from minimal pressure
4. For a premature infant who is medically stable but still in the NICU, the recommended starting technique is: → Containment holding (kangaroo care positioning)
5. Which communication strategy is most effective when providing feedback to caregivers during a massage training session? → Using the 'sandwich' method: positive feedback, correction, positive reinforcement
6. Which position is safest for massaging a newborn's back? → Prone (on their stomach) with head turned to side
7. During infant massage, alternating strokes on both sides of the back are performed to: → Promote bilateral neurological integration and relaxation
8. The primary goal of massage for a child with cerebral palsy (spastic type) is to: → Temporarily decrease muscle tone, improve circulation, and promote comfort
9. Which boundary scenario represents a clear ethical violation in pediatric massage therapy? → Accepting a gift card worth $200 and providing ongoing discounted sessions in exchange
10. What is the primary purpose of using the 'open book' technique on an infant's chest? → To stretch intercostal muscles and support breathing
11. Massage over a healing fracture site is contraindicated until: → The bone is fully healed and physician clearance is obtained
12. A child with Down syndrome may present with atlantoaxial instability, which requires the therapist to: → Avoid cervical flexion and obtain physician clearance for neck work
13. At what age does the posterior fontanelle typically close? → 6–8 weeks
14. Teaching parents to perform infant massage at home between sessions serves what primary purpose? → Extending the therapeutic benefits and strengthening the parent-infant bond
15. In Vimala McClure's IAIM (International Association of Infant Massage) model, parent-infant massage is taught primarily to: → Strengthen the parent-infant bond and communication
16. Massage is contraindicated on areas of a child's body that show signs of: → Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
17. When a PMC therapist is uncertain about the safety of a technique for a specific pediatric client, the best course of action is to: → Consult peer literature, seek supervision, or refer to a specialist
18. The 'rolling' technique in infant leg massage involves: → Rolling the leg like a log between both palms
19. Which massage technique is specifically contraindicated in infants with hydrocephalus and a ventricular shunt? → Cranial or scalp massage near the shunt site
20. Professional draping standards for pediatric clients require: → Age-appropriate draping that maintains modesty and avoids genital areas
21. At what age do infants typically gain voluntary head control? → 4 months
22. The myelination of peripheral nerves in infants is: → Incomplete and continues throughout childhood
23. What condition requires the therapist to avoid all vigorous percussion or tapotement over the chest in a child? → Asthma with active bronchospasm
24. A school-age child (6–12 years) presenting for sports massage should be given the opportunity to: → Participate in decision-making about techniques used on their body
25. Therapeutic massage has been specifically studied as beneficial for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with research demonstrating: → Reduced off-task behavior and improved mood immediately following sessions
26. A parent asks the therapist to leave their 8-year-old alone in the treatment room during a massage. The therapist should: → Insist a parent or guardian remain present throughout the session
27. Which assessment tool is most commonly used to evaluate caregiver confidence and competence after infant massage training? → Self-efficacy questionnaire or return demonstration checklist
28. For a child with ADHD, which massage environment modification is most beneficial? → Dimly lit, quiet room with minimal visual distractions
29. The 'thumb press' technique on infant feet is used primarily to: → Stimulate reflexology points and improve circulation
30. A child with uncontrolled epilepsy presents for massage. The therapist should: → Obtain physician clearance and have a seizure response plan in place