A Massage Therapist S Guide to Pathology, 5E

A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, 5e

Review Questions

Chapter 1: Fundamental Concepts in Pathology

1. Define the following terms: sign, symptom, syndrome

Sign: an objectively observable indication of a disease disorder

Symptom: a subjective experience relating to a disease or disorder

Syndrome: a collection of signs and symptoms associated with a disease process

2. What is an epidemic?

An epidemic is a widespread outbreak of a contagious disease

3. Name five classes of infectious agents

The many thousands of pathogens that can threaten human health have been categorized into five basic types: prions, viruses, bacteria, fungi, and animal parasites

4. What is the purpose of universal or standard precautions?

The purpose of universal or standard precautions is to avoid all potentially harmful body fluids. Sweat and tears are not described as infectious fluids.

5. What are the risks of repeated hand washing with hot water and harsh soap?

Hot water and harsh soap can interfere with the essential fatty acids that help to preserve the impermeability of the skin, making it more vulnerable to infection by compromising the shield.

6. What is the recommended handwashing protocol if warm running water and soap are not available?

Using an alcohol-based gel or foam according to manufacturers’ directions (which means using the amount prescribed and rubbing until the skin is dry) is an effective antibacterial and antiviral mechanism. However, it is not effective against spore-forming bacteria and does not remove dirt.

7. What is the purpose of inflammation?

The purpose of inflammation is to protect the body from pathogenic invasion, to limit the range of contamination, and to prepare damaged tissue for healing.

8. What are three possible outcomes for the inflammatory process?

Three possible outcomes for the inflammatory process are complete resolutionwith no significant tissue changes, accumulation of scar tissue, or chronic inflammation, possibly with the formation of cysts and abscesses.

9. Describe what happens during the postacute, or maturation, phase of inflammation.

This is when new collagen undergoes changes: it is remodeled and reshaped, and it becomes denser and aligns according to force.

10. What adjustments must be made if a client takes anti-inflammatory medication shortly before a massage session?

If a client takes anti-inflammatory medication shortly before a massage session, the medication may hide the results of overtreatment, raising the risk that massage can cause injury. It is recommended that the session be scheduled for when the drug is at its lowest activity to ensure the most accurate feedback from the client’s tissues about the effects of the massage.

Werner, A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, 5e: Answers to Chapter Review Questions, Ch. 1