ACSM-EIM Sample Questions & Answers
Prescribing exercise for chronic conditions like hypertension, dyslipidemia and obesity takes up the biggest share, ahead of coaching behavior change, health care basics, adapting programs for older adults, and special settings like small groups or virtual training.
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- Question 1IntermediateSelect 2
Health Care Basics · Privacy/HIPAA and Scope of Practice
An EIM-credentialed exercise professional is working with a client referred by their primary care physician for obesity and prediabetes management. Which of the following actions fall strictly OUTSIDE the exercise professional's scope of practice? (Select TWO)
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Correct answers: A, B
Prescribing specific meal plans, calculating macronutrients, or providing medical nutrition therapy is strictly outside the scope of practice for an exercise professional. This falls under the purview of a Registered Dietitian (RD). Exercise professionals may only provide general, nationally endorsed nutritional guidelines (like MyPlate).
Adjusting medication timing, dosages, or prescribing any pharmaceutical intervention is practicing medicine and is strictly outside the scope of practice for an exercise professional. The client must be referred back to their physician for medication adjustments.
- Question 2Beginner
Health Care Basics · Terminology, Documentation and Communication
A referring physician sends a medical clearance form with the notation: "Pt cleared for exercise. Hx of CABG x3. Monitor HR and BP closely. _____ sublingual NTG."
The blank indicates the patient should take their nitroglycerin "as needed" for angina. Which standard medical abbreviation accurately fills the blank?
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Correct answer: A
The medical abbreviation "PRN" stands for "pro re nata," which translates from Latin to "as needed" or "as the situation arises." Exercise professionals must be familiar with common medical abbreviations to safely interpret referral documents and physician notes.
- Question 3Beginner
Health Care Basics · Models of Care and Health Systems
In the context of modern health care delivery systems, what is the primary distinguishing characteristic of a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH)?
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Correct answer: A
A Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) is not a physical place, but a model of primary care that is patient-centered, comprehensive, team-based, coordinated, accessible, and focused on quality and safety. The primary care provider acts as the "hub" to coordinate all aspects of the patient's health journey, including referrals to allied health and exercise professionals.
- Question 4Beginner
Exercise Prescription for Common Chronic Medical Conditions · Hypertension Exercise Prescription
According to the ACC/AHA blood pressure guidelines utilized in the EIM credential course, a client with a resting blood pressure of 134/82 mmHg falls into which classification?
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Correct answer: A
According to the updated ACC/AHA guidelines, Stage 1 Hypertension is defined as a systolic BP of 130-139 mmHg OR a diastolic BP of 80-89 mmHg. Since this client's systolic is 134 and diastolic is 82, they fall squarely into the Stage 1 Hypertension category.
- Question 5Intermediate
Exercise Prescription for Common Chronic Medical Conditions · Hypertension Exercise Prescription
A 55-year-old client with Stage 1 hypertension completes a 45-minute moderate-intensity treadmill walk. Immediately post-exercise, their blood pressure drops below their pre-exercise resting values and remains lower for several hours. What is the physiological term for this expected response?
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Correct answer: A
Post-exercise hypotension is a well-documented acute physiological response where blood pressure drops below pre-exercise resting levels for up to 22 hours following a bout of aerobic exercise. This is a primary reason why regular, daily aerobic exercise is prescribed for the management of hypertension, as it creates a sustained lowering effect.
graph TD A[Pre-Exercise Resting BP: 135/85] --> B[During Exercise: Systolic Increases] B --> C[Immediate Post-Exercise] C --> D[Post-Exercise Hypotension: 125/80] D -->|Lasts several hours| E[Return to Baseline] - Question 6Advanced
Exercise Prescription for Common Chronic Medical Conditions · Dyslipidemia Exercise Prescription
A 60-year-old client with dyslipidemia was recently prescribed a high-intensity statin by their cardiologist. During their third week of a moderate-intensity aerobic walking program, they complain of unusual, bilateral muscle aching and weakness in their thighs that does not resemble typical delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). What is the MOST appropriate action for the exercise professional?
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Correct answer: A
Statins can cause skeletal muscle damage (myopathy), presenting as unusual muscle weakness, soreness, or cramping that is distinct from normal exercise-induced DOMS. Because statin myopathy can progress to rhabdomyolysis (a severe, life-threatening breakdown of muscle tissue), the exercise professional must recognize this red flag, halt the exercise, and refer the client to their physician immediately.
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