Special Populations 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 Special Populations flashcards as text
When prescribing aerobic exercise for a client with type 2 diabetes, which timing consideration is most important to reduce hypoglycemia risk?
Answer: Monitor blood glucose before, during, and after exercise sessions
Monitoring blood glucose before, during, and after exercise is the most critical safety practice to detect and manage hypoglycemia in clients with diabetes.
A pregnant client in her second trimester asks about safe heart rate targets during exercise. What is the ACSM-recommended approach?
Answer: Use RPE of 12–14 on the Borg 6–20 scale as the primary intensity guide
ACSM recommends using RPE of 12–14 (somewhat hard) as the primary intensity guide during pregnancy because heart rate targets are less reliable due to cardiovascular adaptations.
Which exercise modification is most appropriate for an older adult (75 years) with osteoporosis and high fall risk?
Answer: Prioritize seated or supine exercises and balance training over impact activities
Seated/supine exercises reduce fall risk while balance training directly addresses fall prevention, making this the safest approach for high fall-risk older adults with osteoporosis.
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) reports dyspnea during exercise. Which initial intensity guideline should guide their aerobic program?
Answer: Use a dyspnea rating of 3–4 on the modified Borg Dyspnea Scale as the intensity target
A modified Borg Dyspnea Scale rating of 3–4 (moderate) is the recommended intensity target for COPD patients, balancing training stimulus with respiratory tolerance.
Which resistance training recommendation is most appropriate for a client who is 8 weeks postpartum and has been cleared by her physician?
Answer: Start with low loads, high repetitions, and focus on core and pelvic floor rehabilitation
Postpartum exercise should begin with low loads, higher reps, and emphasis on core and pelvic floor to address the musculoskeletal changes of pregnancy and delivery.
A client with end-stage renal disease undergoes hemodialysis three times per week. When is the best time to schedule exercise sessions?
Answer: During dialysis sessions (intradialytic exercise)
Intradialytic exercise (during dialysis) is well-supported by research, improves adherence, and avoids the fatigue and hemodynamic instability common in the hours immediately after dialysis.
Which blood glucose threshold should prompt postponement of exercise in a client with type 1 diabetes?
Answer: Below 80 mg/dL or above 250 mg/dL with ketones present
ACSM guidelines recommend postponing exercise if blood glucose is below 80 mg/dL (hypoglycemia risk) or above 250 mg/dL with ketones present (ketoacidosis risk).