College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

When a menopausal patient experiencing hot flashes requests to remove sheets, what is an appropriate response for the therapist?

1. Remove all linens immediately

2. Maintain draping standards with shorts and sports bra

3. Allow the patient to choose their level of draping

4. Only drape the upper body

The correct answer is: Maintain draping standards with shorts and sports bra

In the case of a menopausal patient experiencing hot flashes, maintaining draping standards while also considering the patient's comfort is important. The response that suggests using shorts and a sports bra respects both the patient's need for comfort and the professional guidelines related to draping during a massage session. This approach balances the therapist's responsibility to maintain professionalism and the patient's desire for comfort due to the hot flashes. Allowing the patient to choose their level of draping might seem accommodating, but it could lead to a situation where draping standards are not adhered to, potentially compromising the therapeutic environment. A more standard draping approach is essential for maintaining professionalism and ensuring the comfort and security of the patient during the session. While removing all linens may seem like an immediate comfort solution, it fails to uphold the necessary standards of professional practice and could make the patient feel exposed. Similarly, only draping the upper body does not address the patient's request adequately while neglecting proper draping protocols. Thus, maintaining draping standards with shorts and a sports bra offers a balanced solution that respects both comfort and professionalism.