American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Practice Test

A client presents with hip pain and a fever. What duty does the massage therapist fulfill by referring this client to a physician?

1. Refusal to improve

2. Duty to document

3. Consent to treatment

4. Refusal to treat

The correct answer is: Refusal to treat

Referring a client with hip pain and a fever to a physician demonstrates the massage therapist's adherence to the principle of professional ethics and safety. This action illustrates a refusal to treat the client in the context of recognizing a medical condition that requires further evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider. By opting not to proceed with massage therapy, the therapist prioritizes the client's health and well-being, ensuring that the potential underlying medical issues, which could be serious, are assessed by a physician. This decision is part of the therapist's professional responsibility to recognize the limits of their practice, especially in the presence of signs that may indicate a more significant health concern, such as fever, which could suggest infection or another urgent medical issue. By taking this step, the therapist protects both the client and their practice, as providing massage without addressing possible underlying medical conditions could lead to exacerbation of the client's symptoms and potential liability for the therapist. Hence, this refusal to treat under these circumstances is a responsible and ethical choice.