Health Appraisal & Risk Assessment Flashcards
7 cards from real ACSM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Health Appraisal & Risk Assessment flashcards as text
When obtaining resting blood pressure, how long should a client be seated quietly before the measurement is taken?
Answer: 3–5 minutes
ACSM recommends the client sit quietly for a minimum of 5 minutes in a chair with feet flat on the floor before resting blood pressure is measured.
A client's health history reveals they have metabolic syndrome. Which combination of findings would confirm this diagnosis using NCEP ATP III criteria?
Answer: Three or more of: large waist circumference, high triglycerides, low HDL, high BP, high fasting glucose
Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when ≥3 of 5 criteria are met: abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides, reduced HDL-C, elevated BP, and elevated fasting glucose.
During body composition assessment using skinfold calipers, the technician should take each skinfold measurement:
Answer: Only on the right side of the body per ACSM standardization
ACSM standardizes skinfold measurements on the right side of the body, with each site measured at least twice (in rotation) and averaged if within 1–2 mm.
A client presents with a resting oxygen saturation (SpO2) of 91% measured by pulse oximetry. The appropriate response is to:
Answer: Refer to a physician before conducting exercise testing
SpO2 below 95% at rest may indicate a pulmonary or cardiovascular condition that warrants physician evaluation before exercise testing.
Which of the following best describes the purpose of the ACSM medical history questionnaire in health appraisal?
Answer: To identify known diseases, signs/symptoms, and CVD risk factors before exercise participation
The medical history questionnaire identifies existing diagnoses, relevant signs and symptoms, and cardiovascular risk factors to guide safe exercise participation decisions.
A 62-year-old sedentary client reports occasional lightheadedness and palpitations. Under the updated ACSM preparticipation screening guidelines, the MOST appropriate next step is to:
Answer: Refer to a physician prior to initiating any exercise program
Signs and symptoms suggestive of cardiovascular or pulmonary disease (lightheadedness, palpitations) require physician clearance before exercise participation.
When measuring waist circumference, where should the tape measure be placed according to ACSM standardized protocol?
Answer: At the midpoint between the lowest rib and the iliac crest
ACSM protocol places the tape measure horizontally at the midpoint between the lowest rib and the iliac crest (superior border) to measure waist circumference.