ACSM-EP Health Appraisal & Risk Assessment 3

Question 1

Which lipoprotein value, if elevated, is considered a NEGATIVE (protective) risk factor in ACSM cardiovascular risk stratification?

Accepted Answer

HDL-C ≥ 60 mg/dL

Answer

HDL-C ≥ 60 mg/dL is the only negative (protective) risk factor in ACSM's CVD risk factor threshold list, which removes one positive risk factor from the total count.

Question 2

An exercise physiologist is reviewing a client's waist circumference measurement. For a male client, which value exceeds the ACSM obesity risk threshold?

Accepted Answer

> 102 cm (40 inches)

Answer

ACSM identifies waist circumference > 102 cm (40 inches) for men and > 88 cm (35 inches) for women as thresholds indicating increased health risk.

Question 3

During a resting ECG obtained as part of pre-exercise health appraisal, which finding would most warrant immediate physician referral before exercise testing?

Accepted Answer

Left bundle branch block

Answer

Left bundle branch block is an abnormal ECG finding that warrants medical evaluation before exercise testing, as it can mask ischemic changes.

Question 4

A client reports taking a beta-blocker medication. How should the exercise physiologist account for this during health appraisal?

Accepted Answer

It may attenuate heart rate response, affecting target HR calculations

Answer

Beta-blockers blunt the heart rate response to exercise, requiring use of RPE rather than heart rate targets for exercise prescription.

Question 5

When assessing a client's readiness for exercise using the Transtheoretical Model, a person who has been exercising regularly for 3 weeks is in which stage?

Accepted Answer

Action

Answer

The Action stage is defined by actively performing the target behavior (regular exercise) for less than 6 months.

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM-EP Health Appraisal & Risk Assessment 3