Free ISSA CPT Nutrition and Evaluation Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which of the following is a potential effect of ingesting too much iron?

Gastrointestinal irritation (Correct answer)
Impaired immune function
Kidney stones
Fatigue

Correct answer: Gastrointestinal irritation

Explanation: Dietary reference intake (DRI) values for nutrients provide good guidelines for what constitutes an adequate intake of a nutrient. However, excess intake of mineral elements can also cause health problems. For example, excess intake of iron can interfere with the absorption of other minerals, such as zinc, and can cause gastrointestinal distress and increase the risk of heart disease.

Question 2: All of the following are complete protein food sources except:

Macaroni and cheese
Yogurt and granola
Sunflower seeds (Correct answer)
Whole egg

Correct answer: Sunflower seeds

Explanation: A complete protein is one that provides all of the essential amino acids in the amount the body needs and is also easy to digest and absorb. Typical animal proteins such as meats, eggs, and dairy products are complete proteins. Incomplete proteins are foods that do not contain all of the essential amino acids in the amount needed by the body. However, combining two incomplete protein sources into one meal or snack can create a complete protein food source, for example, rice and beans.

Question 3: Which of the following is true regarding carbohydrates?

They contribute to the obesity epidemic
They cause diabetes
They supply energy (Correct answer)
All types should be avoided

Correct answer: They supply energy

Explanation: There is a lot of negativity in the health and wellness industry regarding carbohydrates. As a fitness professional, it is imperative that you properly educate your clients about the types of carbohydrates and the health benefits of each. Many nutrient-dense foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, are primarily made up of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates supply much-needed energy, contain four calories per gram, and are an important fuel for exercise; therefore, they should be a part of your clients' daily consumption.

Question 4: During the initial client consultation, within which form would a client find information about client-trainer confidentiality?

Informed consent (Correct answer)
Medical questionnaire
Assumption of risk agreement
Client-trainer agreement

Correct answer: Informed consent

Explanation: Informed consent is correct because this form provides clients with information regarding the content and process of the program delivery system. In addition to information regarding confidentiality, a detailed description of the program, the risks, and benefits associated with participation and the responsibilities of the participant are included. This information should be provided both verbally and in writing in order to ensure client understanding.

Question 5: Which of the following is considered companionship support?

A babysitter
A friendly trainer
A workout buddy (Correct answer)
A workout plan from the trainer

Correct answer: A workout buddy

Explanation: Companionship support is when a friend, family member, or coworker is able to exercise with the client and increase the client's positive exercise experience. This is different from emotional support, which is when the trainer is empathetic toward the client. Informational support is data provided by the trainer, and instrumental support is practical things like babysitting and a functioning car.

Question 6: How can a trainer support a client in the action stage?

Clarify misconceptions about exercise
Discuss the best program for them
Discuss progress and suggest changes to the training plan
Continue educating them concerning the benefits of exercise (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Continue educating them concerning the benefits of exercise

Explanation: During the action stage is when the client is most likely to regress into less activity or lack of consistent training. Continuing education supports the client's motivation and success. The program should already be established, and unless there is a serious change such as injury, it should not be adjusted this early in training. Misconceptions about exercise should have been cleared up in the contemplation stage.

Question 7: What is the recommended way for an individual to self-monitor?

Keeping a daily written record (Correct answer)
Weekly goal writing
Having daily conversations with their trainer
Engaging in positive self-talk regularly

Correct answer: Keeping a daily written record

Explanation: To improve coaching interventions that change behavior, Certified Personal Trainers need to identify appropriate behavior change techniques (BCTs). Self-monitoring is an ideal BCT to ensure client consistency and adherence. It can be a simple record of exercise, water intake, or nutrition intake that helps the client bring their attention to their behavior. It can be in the form of a journal or notebook, an app, or a simple document.

Question 8: Which of the following is a potential effect of excess vitamin A intake?

Elevated thyroid hormone concentration
Nerve damage
Diarrhea
Liver damage (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Liver damage

Explanation: Dietary reference intake (DRI) values for nutrients provide good guidelines for what constitutes an adequate intake of a nutrient. However, excess intake of mineral elements can also cause health problems. For example, excess intake of vitamin A can lead to liver damage, bone and joint pain, dry skin, loss of hair, headache, and vomiting.

Question 9: What percentage of total calories should come from fat sources?

15-20% of total daily calories
20-35% of total daily calories (Correct answer)
35-45% of total daily calories
10-15% of total daily calories

Correct answer: 20-35% of total daily calories

Explanation: It is recommended that an individual get 20-35% of their total daily calories from healthy sources of fat. While fats are the major source of energy in the body, they are also responsible for functions such as supplying essential fatty acids and protecting and insulating vital organs. Healthy sources of fats include avocados, peanuts, almonds, salmon, and flax seeds.

Question 10: An individual should consume at least how many calories per day to ensure that they are receiving proper and adequate nutrition?

1,500 calories per day
1,200 calories per day (Correct answer)
1,000 calories per day
800 calories per day

Correct answer: 1,200 calories per day

Explanation: Eating less than 1,200 calories per day can have adverse health effects. That is why as a fitness professional you should encourage your clients to eat small, frequent meals and to consume at least 1,200 calories per day to ensure that they are receiving proper and adequate nutrition.

Question 11: What is the best way for an individual to minimize blood sugar fluctuations?

Eating larger, less frequent meals
Eating a high-fat diet
Eating a low-carbohydrate diet
Eating small, frequent meals (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Eating small, frequent meals

Explanation: Once carbohydrates are consumed, there is a corresponding rise in blood sugar levels as glucose enters the bloodstream. Simple carbohydrates consumed on their own, such as juices, sports drinks, and candy, are absorbed more rapidly than complex carbohydrates and result in a rapid rise in blood sugar. Eating small, frequent meals not only helps control hunger but also helps minimize blood sugar fluctuations and increase energy levels throughout the day.

Free ISSA CPT Nutrition and Evaluation Questions and Answers

Which of the following is a potential effect of ingesting too much iron?