Five Sharp Strategies to pass the MBLEx MCQs
1. Spot Similarities and Differences: If two options are virtually identical except for a single word or phrase, one of them is likely correct. On the other hand, if one answer seems to be entirely different from the rest, it might be incorrect or the correct answer if the others seem too similar.
2. Eliminate Absolute Language: Be wary of answer choices that use absolute language like ‘always’, ‘never’, ‘all’, or ‘none’. Real-world scenarios are rarely so absolute, and the correct answer often lies somewhere in between. However, this is not a hard-and-fast rule. In subjects like anatomy, physiology or kinesiology, absolutes may be correct.
Example 1:
A client wishes to use massage therapy for stress reduction. What is an appropriate goal?
- A.
Ensure the client is never stressed again - B. Only offer Swedish massage
- C. Provide regular relaxation massage to help the client manage stress levels (correct)
- D. Recommend the client to a psychiatrist
Example 2:
A massage therapist accepts an expensive gift from a client. Is this an ethical violation?
- A.
Yes, always - B.
No, never - C. It depends on the context (correct)
- D. Only if the therapist asked for the gift
3. Look for Grammatical Consistency: The question stem and the correct response will grammatically align with each other. If an option doesn’t fit grammatically with the question, it’s likely incorrect.
4. Use Common Sense and Prior Knowledge: Even if you don’t know the exact answer, use your logic and reasoning skills. If an option seems outrageous or far off from what you’ve learned in that subject, it might not be the correct choice.
5. The Longest Answer: This is not a foolproof strategy, but if you’re stuck, consider the length of the answers. Sometimes, test makers add more detail to the correct answer to ensure it’s completely accurate.
Example 1:
Your client has a strained hamstring. How would you use PROM in your treatment plan?
- A. You would gently move the client’s leg to evaluate the extent of injury and observe any limitations in mobility (correct)
- B. You would ask the client to run a mile to assess their endurance
- C. You would have the client perform squats to evaluate their muscle strength
- D. You would avoid touching the leg entirely until the strain is healed
Example 2:
A pregnant client in her second trimester wants to try a Thai massage. How should the therapist proceed?
- A. Refuse to perform the massage
- B. Perform the massage as usual
- C. Perform the massage but avoid certain stretches and pressure points, particularly in the lower back and abdomen (correct)
- D. Only use gentle pressure throughout the massage
Remember, these are just strategies, and they may not always lead to the correct answer. The best way to ensure success on a multiple-choice test is to thoroughly understand the material.
