IHSA Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which vital sign provides the MOST reliable early indicator of internal hemorrhage in an otherwise healthy adult worker? → Pulse rate and quality
2. Which medication class is most associated with masking agents in anti-doping contexts because it increases urinary output and can dilute drug metabolites? → Diuretics
3. When a minor athlete's parent requests access to their child's health records, what is the generally appropriate response? → Provide access, as parents or legal guardians typically have rights to minor records
4. A patient involved in a trench collapse denies pain. Which principle guides continued thorough assessment despite negative patient report? → Significant MOI warrants a full assessment even without symptoms
5. Which of the following best describes polypharmacy risk in athletic populations? → Using multiple medications simultaneously, increasing interaction and adverse effect risk
6. ASTM F2413 governs safety footwear. What does a rating of 'EH' stamped on a boot indicate? → Electrical hazard protection — insulates against open circuits
7. How does hazard identification contribute to workplace safety? → It allows for proactive measures to reduce harm.
8. In IHSA-aligned treatment protocols, the term 'functional goal' refers to: → An observable task the worker aims to perform at a defined level
9. In IHSA practice, what is evidence-based practice? → Integrating best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values
10. A coach is advising workers on PPE limitations. Which statement accurately describes a key limitation of PPE that workers must understand? → PPE reduces exposure but the hazard remains present
11. In IHSA practice, what is the primary purpose of a comprehensive patient assessment? → To gather baseline data for developing an individualized treatment plan
12. Which action would constitute a breach of professional boundaries for an IHSA Certified Coach? → Entering into a personal financial arrangement with a coaching participant
13. An athlete discloses a pre-existing medical condition they had not previously reported. How should this be handled in their record? → Document the disclosure with today's date and note it as a newly disclosed condition
14. Why is personal protective equipment (PPE) important? → It reduces risk of injury and illness
15. In IHSA practice, what is evidence-based practice? → Integrating best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values
16. What is an important part of post-incident analysis? → Analyzing the response process and identifying lessons learned.
17. Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'professional integrity' for an IHSA Certified Coach? → Consistently acting in accordance with ethical standards even when unobserved
18. When a IHSA practitioner faces a conflict between beneficence and patient autonomy, what is the correct approach? → Respect the patient's informed decision even if it differs from the recommended treatment
19. When performing a head-to-toe secondary assessment, which technique is used to check for internal abdominal injuries? → Percussion and palpation
20. A coach is preparing a safety training session for a group of experienced tradespeople. Compared to training new workers, the coach should primarily: → Build on existing knowledge by connecting new information to their prior experience
21. Lightning is observed within five miles of an outdoor practice field. According to safety guidelines, the coach should: → Immediately suspend activity and move all participants to a substantial shelter
22. An IHSA-certified coach uses an electronic health record (EHR) system. Which practice best protects record integrity? → Logging out after each session and never sharing credentials
23. Ergonomic hazards in infrastructure worksites are BEST controlled during which phase? → Design and planning phase
24. A spinal injury is suspected after a worker falls from scaffolding. Which action is CONTRAINDICATED before EMS arrival? → Removing the worker's hard hat by rotating the neck
25. When storing medications for an athletic team, which temperature condition is most critical for many biologics such as insulin or vaccines? → Refrigerated 36–46°F (2–8°C)
26. In risk management, 'residual risk' refers to: → The risk that remains after controls have been implemented
27. What is the first action to take in the event of an emergency at the workplace? → Call emergency services for assistance.
28. Which piece of SAMPLE history is MOST critical for a patient found unconscious at a job site with no witnesses? → Medications
29. Which principle best describes the concept of 'duty of care' as it applies to an IHSA Certified Coach? → Taking reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm to those under your guidance
30. A coach is responsible for ensuring accurate medication records. Which detail is LEAST necessary to include in a medication log? → Athlete's personal home address