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

Which of the following symptoms would prompt immediate action from a therapist during a session?

1. Patient expresses discomfort

2. Patient shows signs of severe anxiety

3. Patient displays slurred speech

4. Patient requests a break

The correct answer is: Patient displays slurred speech

When a patient displays slurred speech, it is a significant symptom that could indicate a medical emergency, such as a stroke or other neurological event. Slurred speech can arise from various serious conditions, and its presence necessitates immediate assessment and action to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient. In a therapeutic setting, therapists are trained to recognize symptoms that require urgent attention. Slurred speech can impair the patient’s ability to communicate essential information regarding their health, making it critical for the therapist to act swiftly. In this case, ensuring the patient receives appropriate care as soon as possible is crucial, as timely intervention can be lifesaving. In contrast, while discomfort, anxiety, or a request for a break may indicate that a patient needs support or adjustments to their treatment, these symptoms do not typically imply a medical emergency that requires immediate action. Thus, the urgency of the response distinguishes slurred speech as the correct answer in this scenario.