ACSM Health Assessment 5

Question 1

A 60-year-old female client reports a sedentary lifestyle and has a family history of heart disease. She denies symptoms. How many positive CVD risk factors does she have per ACSM?

Accepted Answer

2

Answer

She has two positive risk factors: age (≥55 for women) and family history of premature CVD; sedentary lifestyle is also a risk factor, making it potentially 3, but age alone qualifies her for one.

Question 2

Which exercise test endpoint is considered an absolute indication to stop a graded exercise test?

Accepted Answer

Drop in systolic BP >10 mmHg from baseline with signs of ischemia

Answer

A drop in systolic blood pressure ≥10 mmHg from baseline accompanied by ischemic signs is an absolute indication to terminate the exercise test immediately.

Question 3

In the ACSM risk classification framework, which condition automatically places a client in the 'known disease' category?

Accepted Answer

Diagnosed peripheral arterial disease

Answer

Peripheral arterial disease is a cardiovascular disease that automatically places the client in ACSM's 'known cardiovascular, metabolic, or renal disease' category.

Question 4

What does the YMCA step test measure, and what variable is recorded to estimate aerobic fitness?

Accepted Answer

Aerobic capacity; heart rate recovery after stepping

Answer

The YMCA 3-minute step test estimates aerobic fitness by recording a 1-minute recovery heart rate after stepping; a lower recovery HR indicates better aerobic conditioning.

Question 5

When performing the ACSM health appraisal, which medical history item would most directly indicate a need for a physician's medical clearance before vigorous exercise?

Accepted Answer

Recent history of syncope during physical exertion

Answer

Exertional syncope is a red-flag symptom suggesting possible cardiac or neurological cause and requires medical evaluation before vigorous exercise is prescribed.

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM Health Assessment 5