010-111 · Question #106
Which of the following is the correct sequence of events when starting the process for exercise prescription for a new client?
The correct answer is B. Obtain a medical history, have the client perform a risk factor assessment, administer fitness tests. Safe exercise prescription requires first obtaining a medical history, then performing a risk factor assessment, and only then administering fitness tests to ensure no contraindications are missed before physical testing begins.
Question
Which of the following is the correct sequence of events when starting the process for exercise prescription for a new client?
Options
- AObtain a medical history, have the client perform a risk factor assessment, interpret the data,
- BObtain a medical history, have the client perform a risk factor assessment, administer fitness tests,
- CHave the client perform a risk factor assessment, obtain a medical history, administer fitness tests,
- DHave the client perform a fitness assessment, obtain a medical history, give lifestyle counseling,
How the community answered
(38 responses)- A8% (3)
- B84% (32)
- C5% (2)
- D3% (1)
Why each option
Safe exercise prescription requires first obtaining a medical history, then performing a risk factor assessment, and only then administering fitness tests to ensure no contraindications are missed before physical testing begins.
This sequence omits fitness testing entirely before data interpretation, skipping a critical step needed to develop an individualized exercise prescription.
Obtaining a full medical history first identifies any existing conditions, medications, or contraindications that could make physical testing dangerous. The risk stratification step then uses that history to classify cardiovascular and metabolic risk before any physical exertion is imposed. Fitness tests are administered last because the safety and appropriateness of each test depends on the information gathered in the prior two steps.
Conducting a risk factor assessment before obtaining a medical history reverses the correct order, as the medical history provides essential context for accurately interpreting risk factors.
Administering a fitness assessment before obtaining a medical history or risk stratification violates screening safety protocols and could expose the client to harm before contraindications are known.
Concept tested: Pre-exercise screening and prescription sequence
Source: https://www.acsm.org/education-resources/books/guidelines-exercise-testing-prescription
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