CERTIFIED MEDICAL EXERCISE
SPECIALIST EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Which of the following blood pressure quantifications reflect the classification of
"prehypertension" in adults? - ANSWER-Systolic blood pressure of 120-139 mmHg and
diastolic blood pressure of 80-89 mmHg
Clients taking diuretics to manage their hypertension _________ - ANSWER-Should be
instructed to pay particular attention to hydration during exercise
There is strong evidence that excess consumption of ____ increases blood pressure -
ANSWER-- Caffeine
- Sodium
- Alcohol
- Calcium
Which of the following changes to the peripheral blood vessels is associated with
regular exercise training? - ANSWER-- Increased vascular rigidity
- Decreased vascular resistance
- Decreased vascular dilation
- Enhanced vascular resistance
Which statement is MOST accurate regarding thermoregulation in individuals with
hypertension? - ANSWER-Hypertensive individuals have a decreased ability to transfer
body heat to the environment
Which course of action is MOST appropriate for a client who has an asthma
exacerbation during exercise? - ANSWER-Provide calm support and coach the client to
use diaphragmic breathing
Which of the following foods has been shown to directly affect the airway narrowing and
inflammation of asthma? - ANSWER-Caffeine
Which fitness activity is the MOST appropriate for a client who is known to have
exercise-induced asthma? - ANSWER-- Running
- Rowing
- Swimming
- Arm ergometry
While chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) primarily affects lung function, it
also negatively affects other organs and tissues, most notably _____ - ANSWER--
Skeletal muscle
, - Cardiac muscle
- The arteries
- The intestines
What is the goal of nutrition therapy when working with a client with chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD)? - ANSWER-To avoid weigh loss and prevent malnutrition
Which of the following statements about physical activity and structured exercise
programs is LEAST accurate? - ANSWER-- They directly improve lung function
- They improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression
- They increase the brain's response to chronic elevation in carbon dioxide
- They improve skeletal function
Atherosclerosis primarily targets the ________ - ANSWER-- Capillary beds
- Splanchnic bed
- Arterial blood vessels
- Venous blood vessels
Which of the following substances join together to make lipoproteins? - ANSWER--
Plasma proteins, cholesterol, and triglycerides
- Monosaccharides, triglycerides, and protein
- Plasma lipids, disaccharides, and protein
- Protein, glucose, and free-fatty acids
Which of the following BEST describes angina pectoris? - ANSWER-Inadequate blood
flow to the heart resulting in discomfort in the chest, arms, shoulders, and jaw
_______ Have been shown to decrease the risk of arrhythmias and fatal heart disease
and decrease progression of coronary atherosclerosis in individuals with diagnosed
coronary heart disease - ANSWER-- Omega-6 fatty acids
- Antioxidants
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Plant stanols
Which of the following physical activities is MOST likely to exacerbate angina? -
ANSWER-- Exercising on an elliptical machine
- Cycling on an upright stationary bike
- Walking on a treadmill
- Exercising on a rowing machine
ACSM recommendations for the initial stages of aerobic conditioning for low-risk and
stable clients with coronary artery diases? - ANSWER-30 to 55% heart-rate reserve
Which statement describes a characteristic associated with very low-density lipoprotein
(VLDL)? - ANSWER-A major carrier of triglycerides in the blood plasma
SPECIALIST EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Which of the following blood pressure quantifications reflect the classification of
"prehypertension" in adults? - ANSWER-Systolic blood pressure of 120-139 mmHg and
diastolic blood pressure of 80-89 mmHg
Clients taking diuretics to manage their hypertension _________ - ANSWER-Should be
instructed to pay particular attention to hydration during exercise
There is strong evidence that excess consumption of ____ increases blood pressure -
ANSWER-- Caffeine
- Sodium
- Alcohol
- Calcium
Which of the following changes to the peripheral blood vessels is associated with
regular exercise training? - ANSWER-- Increased vascular rigidity
- Decreased vascular resistance
- Decreased vascular dilation
- Enhanced vascular resistance
Which statement is MOST accurate regarding thermoregulation in individuals with
hypertension? - ANSWER-Hypertensive individuals have a decreased ability to transfer
body heat to the environment
Which course of action is MOST appropriate for a client who has an asthma
exacerbation during exercise? - ANSWER-Provide calm support and coach the client to
use diaphragmic breathing
Which of the following foods has been shown to directly affect the airway narrowing and
inflammation of asthma? - ANSWER-Caffeine
Which fitness activity is the MOST appropriate for a client who is known to have
exercise-induced asthma? - ANSWER-- Running
- Rowing
- Swimming
- Arm ergometry
While chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) primarily affects lung function, it
also negatively affects other organs and tissues, most notably _____ - ANSWER--
Skeletal muscle
, - Cardiac muscle
- The arteries
- The intestines
What is the goal of nutrition therapy when working with a client with chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD)? - ANSWER-To avoid weigh loss and prevent malnutrition
Which of the following statements about physical activity and structured exercise
programs is LEAST accurate? - ANSWER-- They directly improve lung function
- They improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression
- They increase the brain's response to chronic elevation in carbon dioxide
- They improve skeletal function
Atherosclerosis primarily targets the ________ - ANSWER-- Capillary beds
- Splanchnic bed
- Arterial blood vessels
- Venous blood vessels
Which of the following substances join together to make lipoproteins? - ANSWER--
Plasma proteins, cholesterol, and triglycerides
- Monosaccharides, triglycerides, and protein
- Plasma lipids, disaccharides, and protein
- Protein, glucose, and free-fatty acids
Which of the following BEST describes angina pectoris? - ANSWER-Inadequate blood
flow to the heart resulting in discomfort in the chest, arms, shoulders, and jaw
_______ Have been shown to decrease the risk of arrhythmias and fatal heart disease
and decrease progression of coronary atherosclerosis in individuals with diagnosed
coronary heart disease - ANSWER-- Omega-6 fatty acids
- Antioxidants
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Plant stanols
Which of the following physical activities is MOST likely to exacerbate angina? -
ANSWER-- Exercising on an elliptical machine
- Cycling on an upright stationary bike
- Walking on a treadmill
- Exercising on a rowing machine
ACSM recommendations for the initial stages of aerobic conditioning for low-risk and
stable clients with coronary artery diases? - ANSWER-30 to 55% heart-rate reserve
Which statement describes a characteristic associated with very low-density lipoprotein
(VLDL)? - ANSWER-A major carrier of triglycerides in the blood plasma
