ACSM-EP Health Appraisal & Risk Assessment 5

Question 1

Which of the following absolute contraindications to exercise testing would require postponing a graded exercise test?

Accepted Answer

Unstable angina with recent change in symptom pattern

Answer

Unstable angina is an absolute contraindication to exercise testing per ACSM, as it indicates an active ischemic event with unpredictable risk.

Question 2

A client's LDL cholesterol is reported as 145 mg/dL. According to ACSM CVD risk factor thresholds, how is this classified?

Accepted Answer

A positive CVD risk factor

Answer

LDL-C ≥ 130 mg/dL is an ACSM positive CVD risk factor threshold; a value of 145 mg/dL exceeds this threshold.

Question 3

When conducting a health appraisal for an older adult (age 75), which assessment would be MOST critical to include beyond standard CVD risk screening?

Accepted Answer

Functional independence, fall risk, and polypharmacy review

Answer

In older adults, assessing functional independence, fall risk, and medication interactions (polypharmacy) is essential because these factors directly impact safe exercise participation.

Question 4

A client taking a calcium channel blocker for hypertension presents for exercise testing. Which hemodynamic response should the exercise physiologist anticipate during testing?

Accepted Answer

Blunted blood pressure response and potential reflex tachycardia

Answer

Calcium channel blockers reduce peripheral vascular resistance, blunting the normal blood pressure rise during exercise and sometimes causing reflex tachycardia.

Question 5

According to ACSM, which of the following symptoms would constitute an indication to STOP an exercise test immediately?

Accepted Answer

Systolic blood pressure drop of > 10 mmHg from baseline with increasing workload

Answer

A systolic BP drop > 10 mmHg from baseline (exertional hypotension) during increasing workload is an ACSM indication to stop the exercise test, as it suggests cardiovascular compromise.

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM-EP Health Appraisal & Risk Assessment 5