ACSM-EP Professional Ethics & Conduct

Question 1

An exercise physiologist earns a commission from an equipment company for each client who buys its products. A client asks which equipment to buy. What is the MOST ethical action?

Accepted Answer

Disclose the financial relationship and base the recommendation on the client's needs

Answer

Financial conflicts of interest must be disclosed up front so the client can make an informed decision.

Question 2

A client's physician phones and requests the client's fitness assessment results and health history. What should the exercise physiologist do FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Obtain the client's signed written authorization before releasing information

Answer

Client health information may be released only with the client's written authorization (HIPAA-type privacy protections).

Question 3

A gym manager asks an exercise physiologist to skip preparticipation health screening for new members to speed up enrollment. What is the BEST response?

Accepted Answer

Decline, continue screening according to ACSM standards, and document the request

Answer

Preparticipation screening is a standard of care, so the professional should uphold it and document the pressure.

Question 4

During a training session, a client reports chest tightness and lightheadedness. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Stop exercise, have the client sit, and activate the emergency action plan and EMS

Answer

Possible cardiac symptoms require stopping exercise, seating the client, and activating the emergency action plan.

Question 5

A client with type 1 diabetes asks her exercise physiologist to adjust her insulin dose for a new exercise program. What is the CORRECT response?

Accepted Answer

Decline to change the dose and refer her to her physician or diabetes care team, coordinating exercise timing

Answer

Medication changes are outside the exercise physiologist's scope, so the client should be referred to her physician.

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM-EP Professional Ethics & Conduct