ACSM Health Assessment 2

Question 1

Which component of the health history is most important to review before conducting a maximal exercise test?

Accepted Answer

Cardiovascular symptoms and risk factors

Answer

Cardiovascular symptoms and risk factors directly affect the safety and appropriateness of maximal exercise testing.

Question 2

A client's resting blood pressure reads 148/92 mmHg on two separate occasions. According to ACSM guidelines, how should this be classified?

Accepted Answer

Stage 1 Hypertension

Answer

Stage 1 Hypertension is defined as systolic 130–139 mmHg or diastolic 80–89 mmHg; 148/92 falls in Stage 2 (≥140/90), but per updated 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines adopted by ACSM, 148/92 is Stage 2 Hypertension.

Question 3

During a health appraisal, a 52-year-old male reports smoking 1 pack per day for 30 years. How does this factor into ACSM cardiovascular risk stratification?

Accepted Answer

It counts as one positive risk factor

Answer

Current cigarette smoking (or quitting within the past 6 months) counts as one positive cardiovascular disease risk factor regardless of pack-year history.

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q+)?

Accepted Answer

To screen for contraindications before initiating exercise

Answer

The PAR-Q+ is a self-administered pre-exercise screening tool designed to identify individuals who may need medical clearance before starting physical activity.

Question 5

When measuring waist circumference, where should the tape measure be placed?

Accepted Answer

At the level of the iliac crest

Answer

ACSM recommends measuring waist circumference at the level of the iliac crest, at the end of a normal expiration.

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM Health Assessment 2