CSN Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CSN facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the benefit of combining protein with carbohydrates post-exercise? → Enhances recovery and glycogen storage
2. How should patient consent be obtained for treatment protocols procedures? → Informed consent including risks, benefits, alternatives, and right to refuse
3. Which of the following is a chronic adaptation to regular aerobic exercise? → Increased capillary density
4. Glycerol hyperhydration was previously used by some athletes before competition to expand plasma volume. Why is glycerol now prohibited by WADA? → It is classified as a plasma expander and can mask blood doping
5. What privacy protection applies to documentation standards records? → HIPAA and applicable state laws protect all patient health information
6. What quality improvement method applies to treatment protocols? → Continuous quality improvement using data-driven Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles
7. What role do mitochondria play in muscle cells during aerobic exercise? → Produce ATP
8. Which mineral co-consumed with water post-exercise is most effective at promoting fluid retention and restoration of plasma volume? → Sodium
9. What is the standard of care for treatment protocols in clinical practice? → Evidence-based practice aligned with current clinical guidelines
10. Which method is considered the gold standard for measuring body composition in a clinical or research setting? → Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)
11. What interdisciplinary collaboration principle applies to quality improvement? → Coordinated team-based care improves outcomes and reduces errors
12. What is the role of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in supplementation? → Reduce muscle breakdown
13. How should patient consent be obtained for documentation standards procedures? → Informed consent including risks, benefits, alternatives, and right to refuse
14. How should patient consent be obtained for infection prevention procedures? → Informed consent including risks, benefits, alternatives, and right to refuse
15. What quality improvement method applies to ethics and confidentiality? → Continuous quality improvement using data-driven Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles
16. What is 'sleep-low' carbohydrate periodization designed to enhance? → Fat oxidation and metabolic flexibility by training in a low-carb state overnight
17. How should patient consent be obtained for quality improvement procedures? → Informed consent including risks, benefits, alternatives, and right to refuse
18. What is the primary hormonal mechanism through which chronic low energy availability suppresses female reproductive function? → Decreased GnRH pulse frequency suppressing LH and FSH, leading to hypothalamic amenorrhea
19. How should patient consent be obtained for ethics and confidentiality procedures? → Informed consent including risks, benefits, alternatives, and right to refuse
20. During prolonged endurance exercise lasting more than 60 minutes, what is the general fluid intake guideline to prevent significant dehydration? → Consume 400–800 mL (14–27 oz) of fluid per hour
21. What does the term 'hypertrophy' refer to in exercise science? → Increase in muscle size
22. How should protein intake be distributed across the day to optimize muscle protein synthesis? → Distribute 20–40 g of protein evenly across 4–5 meals
23. What is the standard of care for ethics and confidentiality in clinical practice? → Evidence-based practice aligned with current clinical guidelines
24. What is the minimum recommended energy availability (EA) threshold to maintain normal physiological function in athletes? → 30 kcal/kg fat-free mass/day
25. In a fat-loss phase for an athlete, which strategy best preserves lean muscle mass? → Increase protein intake to 1.8–2.7 g/kg/day while maintaining resistance training
26. Which nutrient is essential in post-exercise recovery for muscle rebuilding? → Protein
27. Which equation is most commonly used by CSN practitioners to estimate resting metabolic rate (RMR)? → Cunningham equation (lean mass-based)
28. What is the recommended daily protein intake for strength athletes? → 1.2–2.0 g/kg
29. When should a pre-workout meal be consumed for optimal performance? → 1–3 hours before workout
30. Which vitamin is essential for calcium absorption? → Vitamin D