American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Practice Test

Would a mask effectively protect a massage therapist from a client with a respiratory infection if droplets only travel one foot?

1. No, since the therapist is not immunocompromised.

2. No, the mask will have no effect.

3. Yes, since the droplets only travel one foot away from the client.

4. Yes, since droplets are not capable of causing an infection.

The correct answer is: Yes, since the droplets only travel one foot away from the client.

The idea that a mask would effectively protect a massage therapist from a client with a respiratory infection, especially if droplets are known to travel only one foot, is grounded in the function of masks in reducing the transmission of respiratory pathogens. Masks are designed to block respiratory droplets, which are a common vector for infections. If droplets only travel one foot, wearing a mask would likely create a barrier that significantly reduces the likelihood of those infectious droplets reaching the therapist, thus providing an additional layer of protection. In this scenario, the implication is that maintaining a safe distance beyond the one-foot droplet travel distance, combined with the use of a mask, greatly reduces potential exposure. This is especially important in therapeutic settings where close contact is necessary but where infection control is also a priority. Masks can help filter out pathogens from expelled droplets and potentially prevent infection even if the droplets' travel is limited. The other options primarily misunderstand the nature of infection transmission or diminish the protective capacity of masks. Thus, the correct understanding lies in recognizing the role of masks in mitigating the spread of respiratory infections, reinforcing the rationale behind their use in health care and massage therapy settings.