ACE Client Interview and Screening 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When measuring resting blood pressure, the trainer should position the client's arm so that the brachial artery is:
- Below the level of the heart
- At the level of the heart (Correct answer)
- Above the level of the head
- Flexed at 90 degrees
Correct answer: At the level of the heart
The brachial artery must be at heart level to obtain an accurate resting blood pressure reading.
Question 2: Which of the following represents an absolute contraindication to maximal exercise testing?
- Controlled type 2 diabetes
- Recent myocardial infarction within the past two days (Correct answer)
- Mild obesity (BMI 30)
- Resting heart rate of 85 bpm
Correct answer: Recent myocardial infarction within the past two days
An acute myocardial infarction within two days is an absolute contraindication because strenuous testing could cause life-threatening complications.
Question 3: A client with type 1 diabetes reports a pre-exercise blood glucose of 80 mg/dL. The ACE-recommended action is to:
- Proceed with high-intensity interval training
- Have the client consume a carbohydrate snack before exercising (Correct answer)
- Postpone the session for 24 hours
- Administer insulin immediately
Correct answer: Have the client consume a carbohydrate snack before exercising
Blood glucose below 100 mg/dL in a type 1 diabetic client indicates a risk of hypoglycemia, so a carbohydrate snack should be consumed before exercise.
Question 4: During the initial client interview, the SMART goal framework helps trainers ensure goals are:
- Simple, Measurable, Accurate, Reasonable, Time-sensitive
- Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound (Correct answer)
- Standardized, Motivated, Achievable, Realistic, Tactical
- Structured, Meaningful, Action-oriented, Reviewed, Tracked
Correct answer: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound
SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound—a framework for setting effective and achievable client goals.
Question 5: Which behavioral stage of change describes a client who has been exercising regularly for more than six months?
- Contemplation
- Preparation
- Action
- Maintenance (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Maintenance
The Maintenance stage is characterized by consistent exercise behavior sustained for longer than six months.
Question 6: A trainer is reviewing a new client's medication list and notices the client takes a diuretic. The MOST important monitoring consideration during exercise is:
- Decreased maximum heart rate
- Increased risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance (Correct answer)
- Elevated resting blood pressure
- Reduced muscular strength
Correct answer: Increased risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
Diuretics increase fluid and electrolyte excretion, raising the risk of dehydration and hyponatremia during exercise.
Question 7: When a client discloses personal information during the intake process, the ACE Code of Ethics requires the trainer to:
- Share details with other fitness staff to coordinate programming
- Maintain strict confidentiality except when required by law (Correct answer)
- Document all disclosures on public facility bulletin boards
- Disclose information freely to the client's family members
Correct answer: Maintain strict confidentiality except when required by law
ACE professional standards require trainers to keep client information confidential, disclosing only when legally mandated.
ACE Client Interview and Screening 4
When measuring resting blood pressure, the trainer should position the client's arm so that the brachial artery is: