What term describes conditions or circumstances that mean a treatment should not be performed or needs medical clearance?

• A. Contraindications
• B. Precautions
• C. Indications
• D. Protocols

Answer: (A)

Contraindications are conditions or circumstances that mean a treatment should not be performed or needs medical clearance. This is about safety: if a client has a contagious skin infection, open wounds, active dermatitis in the treatment area, recent surgery, pregnancy for procedures that are restricted, or medications that heighten sensitivity or bleeding risk, proceeding could cause harm, so the treatment should be postponed or require medical advice first.

Precautions are factors that require extra care, adjustments, or closer monitoring but don’t automatically stop the treatment. Indications are the reasons why a treatment would be appropriate to perform. Protocols refer to the standard procedures and steps to follow during the service.