Stillerman: Prenatal Massage
Test Bank
Chapter 01: Benefits of Prenatal Massage
MATCHING
A. Preterm labor, obstetrical F. Hormone that stimulates uterine
complications ___ contractions and maternal instinct
____
B. Massage ____ G. Progesterone ____
C. Low birth weight, slowed brain H. Slower labor, decrease in placental
development ____ profusion ____
D. Serotonin ____ I. Anterior ____
E. Catecholamines ____ J. Round ligaments ____
1. Oxytocin.
2. Uterine ligaments attached on the lateral uterus.
3. Epinephrine and norepinephrine, collectively.
4. Hormone responsible for slowing down the function of smooth muscle.
5. Maternal stress during pregnancy may lead to these.
6. Fetal development affected by maternal stress results in these.
7. A pregnant woman’s center of gravity shifts to this.
8. Massage can reduce pain through the secretions of beta-endorphins and this.
9. An honorable tradition in women’s health care and obstetrics.
10. Excessive maternal catecholamine levels may cause these.
1. ANS: F
2. ANS: J
3. ANS: E
4. ANS: G
5. ANS: A
6. ANS: C
7. ANS: I
8. ANS: D
9. ANS: B
10. ANS: H
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. What are the physical sequelae of prenatal stress to the expectant woman?
A. Low birth weight and preterm labor, uterine vasoconstriction, obstetrical
complications, and depression
Mosby items and derived items © 2008 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
, Test Bank 1-2
B. Increased secretion of oxytocin, reduced labor pain, fewer incidents of miscarriage
C. Decreased stress hormones, increased infant neuromotor development, and
decreased labor pain
D. Decreased maternal heart rate and blood pressure
ANS: A
Stress can have serious consequences on the health and well-being of the mother and her
developing fetus. The catecholamines that are secreted in response to stress constricts blood
vessels and can impact blood flow to the uterus as much as 65%. This in turn can affect fetal
weight and contribute to preterm labor and other obstetrical complications.
2. Annie was given a stress test during her pregnancy. Her heart rate was elevated and took a long
time to stabilize after the test. What are the possible effects on her fetus?
A. No effect on the fetus
B. Sluggish heart rate and increased birth weight
C. Significantly higher heart rate that remained high for a long time
D. Lower heart rate and reduced reaction to stress
ANS: C
Studies done with pregnant women proved that those women who had higher stress levels had
fetuses whose heart rates took longer to stabilize. The long-term effects can be heart disease and
diabetes later in life for these children.
3. What are catecholamines?
A. Oxytocin and serotonin
B. Prolactin and endorphins
C. Norepinephrine and epinephrine
D. Estrogen and progesterone
ANS: C
Produced by the adrenal glands (suprarenal glands), these compounds are also known as
adrenalin and noradrenalin. During a stress reaction, these compounds constrict blood vessels,
may induce uterine contractions, and produce effects similar to stimulation of the sympathetic
division of the autonomic nervous system.
4. What are the effects of corticotrophin during pregnancy?
A. Increases maternal temperature.
B. Helps ripen the cervix and triggers uterine contractions.
C. Increases secretion of prolactin.
D. Softens the connective tissue in preparation for childbirth.
ANS: B
Secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, corticotrophin stimulates the adrenal cortex
to secrete steroid hormones that ripen the cervix and stimulate uterine contractions.
5. What are some effects of maternal stress on fetal development?
A. Hyposensitivity
B. Low blood pressure and high birth weight
C. Postterm labor
Mosby items and derived items © 2008 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
, Test Bank 1-3
D. Neuromotor delays, preterm labor, slowed brain development
ANS: D
The maternal physical response to stress can have an adverse affect on the developing fetus.
Studies have shown that neuromotor delays can result in cognitive disorders, autism spectrum
disorders, preterm labor, and even slowed brain development of the fetus.
6. Liz was 7 months pregnant and suffered from sore and swollen legs. What is the most effective
massage technique to use on her legs?
A.Reiki
B.Shiatsu
C.Swedish massage
D.Lymphatic drainage
ANS: D
Toward the end of the pregnancy, some women can have as much as 40% additional interstitial
fluid in their bodies. Most of this normal edema aggregates in the lower extremities because of
gravity, posture, sluggish femoral absorption, the weight of the gravid uterus on the lymph and
blood vessels, and the effects of progesterone, which causes laxity in the blood vessels. Since the
lymph system is superficial, the most effective way to reduce the lymph load is to gently and
lightly stimulate the lymph system found deep to the skin. Light pressure, following the rate of
lymph flow in the direction toward the heart, is the only way to address lymph overload. This
pressure effectively reduces lymph congestion and also prevents dislodging any blood clots that
might be harbored within the deeper vessels in the legs.
7. What are the physical changes that require the use of lymphatic drainage on the legs during
pregnancy and for 3 months postpartum?
A. Increased fibrinogenic activity and decreased interstitial fluid
B. Increased fibrinogenic activity and increased interstitial fluid
C. Decreased fibrinogenic activity and decreased interstitial fluid
D. Decreased fibrinogenic activity and increased interstitial fluid
ANS: B
Fibrinogenic activity, or the increase in the blood clotting (coagulating) factor, begins in the early
part of the second trimester. The increase in interstitial fluid also begins around the same time. To
encourage lymph absorption and to protect against dislodging a blood clot, all deep massage
technique is avoided in favor of light lymphatic drainage.
8. The heat produced by manual manipulation signals which part of the nervous system to correct,
restore, and balance self-regulating mechanisms?
A. Sympathetic and parasympathetic systems
B. Cranial
C. Peripheral
D. Central nervous system
ANS: A
Mosby items and derived items © 2008 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
, Test Bank 1-4
The sympathetic nervous system is a division of the autonomic nervous system that
communicates with the viscera and sensory and preganglionic fibers and is distributed to the
viscera of the abdomen and pelvic, heart and lungs, blood vessels, glands, and skin. The
autonomic nervous system controls involuntary bodily functions and controls functions of the
glands, smooth muscle, and skin. Manual manipulation and the skin stimulation that occurs
stimulates the self-regulating mechanisms of these two systems.
9. Which hormones and neurotransmitters are secreted to produce a relaxing, “feel good” reaction
to massage?
A. Histamine
B. Prolactin and relaxin
C. Beta-endorphins and serotonin
D. Epinephrine and norepinephrine
ANS: C
Beta-endorphins and serotonin levels increase after a massage. These hormones and
neurotransmitters have a sedating, calming effect on the body.
10. What are the three actions by which massage makes changes throughout the body?
A. Reflexive, mechanical, autonomic
B. Reflexive, mechanical, metabolic
C. Mechanical, metabolic, autonomic
D. Metabolic, psychological, autonomic
ANS: B
The reflex action of massage encourages a response in a far-reaching area of the body.
Mechanical changes occur at the site of the manipulation (i.e., the increase in blood circulation
from an effleurage) and through metabolic changes as glands are stimulated.
11. Describe the adaptive posture of a woman who is 8 months pregnant.
A. Anterior center of gravity, posterior pelvic placement, posterior cervical extension
B. Anterior center of gravity, anterior pelvic placement, anterior cervical flexion
C. Posterior pelvic placement, anterior head flexion
D. Anterior pelvic placement, posterior cervical flexion
ANS: B
As the fetus grows, the uterus leaves the pelvis and becomes an organ of the abdomen. To
accommodate the growing uterus and the anterior center of gravity, her abdominal muscles
weaken, stretch, and separate and her hips displace anterior. She leans back for balance as she
walks, which further compresses the lumbar spine. Her shoulders laterally rotate, her ribcage
expands 2 to 3 inches and her head protracts. Her hips widen, thighs laterally rotate, knees
hyperextend, ankles invert, and medial arch often drops.
12. In addition to the anterior center of gravity and weakened abdominal muscles, what else
contributes to lumbar instability, core weakness, and an exacerbated lordotic curvature?
A. Linea alba
B. Overstretched uterine ligaments
C. Estrogen and progesterone
Mosby items and derived items © 2008 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank
Chapter 01: Benefits of Prenatal Massage
MATCHING
A. Preterm labor, obstetrical F. Hormone that stimulates uterine
complications ___ contractions and maternal instinct
____
B. Massage ____ G. Progesterone ____
C. Low birth weight, slowed brain H. Slower labor, decrease in placental
development ____ profusion ____
D. Serotonin ____ I. Anterior ____
E. Catecholamines ____ J. Round ligaments ____
1. Oxytocin.
2. Uterine ligaments attached on the lateral uterus.
3. Epinephrine and norepinephrine, collectively.
4. Hormone responsible for slowing down the function of smooth muscle.
5. Maternal stress during pregnancy may lead to these.
6. Fetal development affected by maternal stress results in these.
7. A pregnant woman’s center of gravity shifts to this.
8. Massage can reduce pain through the secretions of beta-endorphins and this.
9. An honorable tradition in women’s health care and obstetrics.
10. Excessive maternal catecholamine levels may cause these.
1. ANS: F
2. ANS: J
3. ANS: E
4. ANS: G
5. ANS: A
6. ANS: C
7. ANS: I
8. ANS: D
9. ANS: B
10. ANS: H
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. What are the physical sequelae of prenatal stress to the expectant woman?
A. Low birth weight and preterm labor, uterine vasoconstriction, obstetrical
complications, and depression
Mosby items and derived items © 2008 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
, Test Bank 1-2
B. Increased secretion of oxytocin, reduced labor pain, fewer incidents of miscarriage
C. Decreased stress hormones, increased infant neuromotor development, and
decreased labor pain
D. Decreased maternal heart rate and blood pressure
ANS: A
Stress can have serious consequences on the health and well-being of the mother and her
developing fetus. The catecholamines that are secreted in response to stress constricts blood
vessels and can impact blood flow to the uterus as much as 65%. This in turn can affect fetal
weight and contribute to preterm labor and other obstetrical complications.
2. Annie was given a stress test during her pregnancy. Her heart rate was elevated and took a long
time to stabilize after the test. What are the possible effects on her fetus?
A. No effect on the fetus
B. Sluggish heart rate and increased birth weight
C. Significantly higher heart rate that remained high for a long time
D. Lower heart rate and reduced reaction to stress
ANS: C
Studies done with pregnant women proved that those women who had higher stress levels had
fetuses whose heart rates took longer to stabilize. The long-term effects can be heart disease and
diabetes later in life for these children.
3. What are catecholamines?
A. Oxytocin and serotonin
B. Prolactin and endorphins
C. Norepinephrine and epinephrine
D. Estrogen and progesterone
ANS: C
Produced by the adrenal glands (suprarenal glands), these compounds are also known as
adrenalin and noradrenalin. During a stress reaction, these compounds constrict blood vessels,
may induce uterine contractions, and produce effects similar to stimulation of the sympathetic
division of the autonomic nervous system.
4. What are the effects of corticotrophin during pregnancy?
A. Increases maternal temperature.
B. Helps ripen the cervix and triggers uterine contractions.
C. Increases secretion of prolactin.
D. Softens the connective tissue in preparation for childbirth.
ANS: B
Secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, corticotrophin stimulates the adrenal cortex
to secrete steroid hormones that ripen the cervix and stimulate uterine contractions.
5. What are some effects of maternal stress on fetal development?
A. Hyposensitivity
B. Low blood pressure and high birth weight
C. Postterm labor
Mosby items and derived items © 2008 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
, Test Bank 1-3
D. Neuromotor delays, preterm labor, slowed brain development
ANS: D
The maternal physical response to stress can have an adverse affect on the developing fetus.
Studies have shown that neuromotor delays can result in cognitive disorders, autism spectrum
disorders, preterm labor, and even slowed brain development of the fetus.
6. Liz was 7 months pregnant and suffered from sore and swollen legs. What is the most effective
massage technique to use on her legs?
A.Reiki
B.Shiatsu
C.Swedish massage
D.Lymphatic drainage
ANS: D
Toward the end of the pregnancy, some women can have as much as 40% additional interstitial
fluid in their bodies. Most of this normal edema aggregates in the lower extremities because of
gravity, posture, sluggish femoral absorption, the weight of the gravid uterus on the lymph and
blood vessels, and the effects of progesterone, which causes laxity in the blood vessels. Since the
lymph system is superficial, the most effective way to reduce the lymph load is to gently and
lightly stimulate the lymph system found deep to the skin. Light pressure, following the rate of
lymph flow in the direction toward the heart, is the only way to address lymph overload. This
pressure effectively reduces lymph congestion and also prevents dislodging any blood clots that
might be harbored within the deeper vessels in the legs.
7. What are the physical changes that require the use of lymphatic drainage on the legs during
pregnancy and for 3 months postpartum?
A. Increased fibrinogenic activity and decreased interstitial fluid
B. Increased fibrinogenic activity and increased interstitial fluid
C. Decreased fibrinogenic activity and decreased interstitial fluid
D. Decreased fibrinogenic activity and increased interstitial fluid
ANS: B
Fibrinogenic activity, or the increase in the blood clotting (coagulating) factor, begins in the early
part of the second trimester. The increase in interstitial fluid also begins around the same time. To
encourage lymph absorption and to protect against dislodging a blood clot, all deep massage
technique is avoided in favor of light lymphatic drainage.
8. The heat produced by manual manipulation signals which part of the nervous system to correct,
restore, and balance self-regulating mechanisms?
A. Sympathetic and parasympathetic systems
B. Cranial
C. Peripheral
D. Central nervous system
ANS: A
Mosby items and derived items © 2008 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
, Test Bank 1-4
The sympathetic nervous system is a division of the autonomic nervous system that
communicates with the viscera and sensory and preganglionic fibers and is distributed to the
viscera of the abdomen and pelvic, heart and lungs, blood vessels, glands, and skin. The
autonomic nervous system controls involuntary bodily functions and controls functions of the
glands, smooth muscle, and skin. Manual manipulation and the skin stimulation that occurs
stimulates the self-regulating mechanisms of these two systems.
9. Which hormones and neurotransmitters are secreted to produce a relaxing, “feel good” reaction
to massage?
A. Histamine
B. Prolactin and relaxin
C. Beta-endorphins and serotonin
D. Epinephrine and norepinephrine
ANS: C
Beta-endorphins and serotonin levels increase after a massage. These hormones and
neurotransmitters have a sedating, calming effect on the body.
10. What are the three actions by which massage makes changes throughout the body?
A. Reflexive, mechanical, autonomic
B. Reflexive, mechanical, metabolic
C. Mechanical, metabolic, autonomic
D. Metabolic, psychological, autonomic
ANS: B
The reflex action of massage encourages a response in a far-reaching area of the body.
Mechanical changes occur at the site of the manipulation (i.e., the increase in blood circulation
from an effleurage) and through metabolic changes as glands are stimulated.
11. Describe the adaptive posture of a woman who is 8 months pregnant.
A. Anterior center of gravity, posterior pelvic placement, posterior cervical extension
B. Anterior center of gravity, anterior pelvic placement, anterior cervical flexion
C. Posterior pelvic placement, anterior head flexion
D. Anterior pelvic placement, posterior cervical flexion
ANS: B
As the fetus grows, the uterus leaves the pelvis and becomes an organ of the abdomen. To
accommodate the growing uterus and the anterior center of gravity, her abdominal muscles
weaken, stretch, and separate and her hips displace anterior. She leans back for balance as she
walks, which further compresses the lumbar spine. Her shoulders laterally rotate, her ribcage
expands 2 to 3 inches and her head protracts. Her hips widen, thighs laterally rotate, knees
hyperextend, ankles invert, and medial arch often drops.
12. In addition to the anterior center of gravity and weakened abdominal muscles, what else
contributes to lumbar instability, core weakness, and an exacerbated lordotic curvature?
A. Linea alba
B. Overstretched uterine ligaments
C. Estrogen and progesterone
Mosby items and derived items © 2008 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
