NASM-CPT Client Relations and Behavior Change 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client in the maintenance stage misses two weeks of workouts during a family emergency. How should the trainer BEST frame this lapse?
- As proof the client has gone back to precontemplation
- As a reason to restart the program at the beginning
- As a normal, temporary setback and a chance to plan for future high-risk situations (Correct answer)
- As something to ignore so the client isn't embarrassed
Correct answer: As a normal, temporary setback and a chance to plan for future high-risk situations
Relapse prevention treats lapses as normal learning opportunities and helps clients plan coping strategies for similar situations.
Question 2: A trainer asks a client to list the pros and cons of starting an exercise program. What is this technique called?
- Self-monitoring
- Decisional balance (Correct answer)
- Cognitive restructuring
- Goal setting
Correct answer: Decisional balance
Decisional balance weighs the perceived benefits and costs of a behavior change, and it tends to shift toward the pros as clients move through the stages.
Question 3: Which strategy is the strongest source of self-efficacy according to Bandura?
- Watching others succeed (vicarious experience)
- Verbal encouragement from the trainer
- Positive emotional and physical states
- Mastery experiences, where the client succeeds at a task themselves (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Mastery experiences, where the client succeeds at a task themselves
Mastery experiences, meaning personal successes, are the most powerful source of self-efficacy.
Question 4: A client puts their gym bag by the front door every night so they remember to work out in the morning. Which behavior change technique is this?
- Stimulus control (Correct answer)
- Positive self-talk
- Mental imagery
- Social support
Correct answer: Stimulus control
Stimulus control changes the environment to add cues for the desired behavior or remove cues for unwanted behavior.
Question 5: A client asks for diet advice for a diagnosed kidney condition. What is the trainer's MOST appropriate response within their scope of practice?
- Design a low-protein meal plan based on research
- Recommend specific supplements that support kidney health
- Refer the client to a registered dietitian or their physician (Correct answer)
- Tell the client to follow general high-protein guidelines for muscle gain
Correct answer: Refer the client to a registered dietitian or their physician
Medical nutrition therapy for disease falls outside a CPT's scope, so the client should be referred to a qualified licensed professional.
Question 6: Which question is the BEST example of an open-ended question in motivational interviewing?
- Did you work out three times this week?
- Are you ready to start strength training?
- Would you prefer morning or evening sessions?
- What would being more active change in your daily life? (Correct answer)
Correct answer: What would being more active change in your daily life?
Open-ended questions can't be answered with yes, no, or a single choice, so they encourage the client to explore their own motivations.
Question 7: A client who only exercises to earn a reward from a workplace wellness program stops once the incentive ends. What does this show?
- Extrinsic motivation alone often fails to sustain long-term behavior (Correct answer)
- Intrinsic motivation is weaker than extrinsic motivation
- The client has reached the maintenance stage
- The client's self-efficacy was too high
Correct answer: Extrinsic motivation alone often fails to sustain long-term behavior
Behavior driven only by external rewards usually stops when the reward is removed, so trainers should help clients build intrinsic reasons to exercise.
