ACE CPT Exam Questions

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121.

From a liability standpoint, why would someone choose to establish a corporation versus a partnership?

  • The corporate veil protects investors

  • Flow-through taxation

  • Corporate liability can be guarded through a lawyer

  • Investors can act as a corporation to protect liability

Correct answer: The corporate veil protects investors

Corporations create an entirely separate entity from the investors and operators of a business. Investors own shares of a corporation, which limits the investors' personal liability. This creates a "corporate veil" that protects them.

Flow-through taxation is a financial benefit of a sole proprietorship or partnership. You do not need to be a corporation to utilize a lawyer to protect your liability. An investor would be wise to not act as a corporation at any cost because it would potentially make them liable.

122.

Which of the following exercises allows for 145 degrees of movement?

  • Dumbbell arm curls

  • Triceps push-down

  • Machine seated rows

  • Smith machine supine bench press

Correct answer: Dumbbell arm curls

Dumbbell arm curls are an example of elbow flexion, which has a range of motion of 145 to 150 degrees. Major agonist muscles involved in a dumbbell curl include the biceps brachii, brachialis, and brachioradialis.

123.

At which place in the body is the concentration of oxygen in the blood the HIGHEST?

  • Pulmonary vein

  • Pulmonary artery

  • Aorta

  • Superior vena cava

Correct answer: Pulmonary vein 

After contact with the pulmonary capillaries, where gas exchange occurs to remove carbon dioxide and oxygenate the blood, concentrations of blood oxygen are highest immediately. The blood vessel that returns this blood to the left atrium from the lungs is the pulmonary vein.

124.

Your client complains of pain in her calf after increasing her running mileage, and says stretching the muscle hurts. She also currently has discomfort with walking and there is mild swelling around the area.

What type of injury did she MOST likely sustain?

  • Strain

  • Sprain

  • Tweak 

  • Hematoma

Correct answer: Strain

A muscle strain occurs when a muscle is worked beyond its capacity, resulting in tears of the muscle fibers.

In contrast, a sprain occurs in the ligament when there is an external force applied to stretch it forcefully (e.g., a fall and twist of the ankle). A hematoma is a pool of clotted blood caused by broken blood vessels within the body — the client would likely have different symptoms and observed darkening of the area due to the blood.

Tweaking a muscle is not a medical term.

125.

An elderly female client loses her balance and falls on her outstretched arm onto a hard surface. An audible crack is heard.

What is the BEST option for next steps?

  • Activate EMS immediately by calling 911

  • Administer first aid by applying ice

  • Immobilize the client's affected arm to avoid any further damage

  • Call the client's emergency contact

Correct answer: Activate EMS immediately by calling 911

An elderly female is at a higher risk for bone fractures due to osteoporosis. Because of her higher risk and mechanism of injury, it is likely that a fracture has occurred. If a fracture is suspected, the trainer should activate EMS immediately before calling an emergency contact.

Splinting or immobilizing is only necessary if the incident occurs in a remote area and EMS is not available. Applying ice may increase pain at the injury site.

126.

What is the main purpose of spotting a client during an exercise?

  • To prevent injury

  • To increase the amount of weight that can be lifted

  • To improve the relationship between personal trainer and client

  • To increase the number of repetitions that can be performed

Correct answer: To prevent injury

Since it is legally a personal trainer's job to ensure client safety, the personal trainer should monitor all ranges of motion and prevent the client from moving into extreme and unsafe positions. This requires that the personal trainer provides appropriate spotting during all aspects of the exercise session.

127.

Mechanical work is defined as which of the following?

  • Force multiplied by linear displacement

  • Force divided by distance

  • Mass multiplied by acceleration

  • Mass divided by acceleration

Correct answer: Force multiplied by linear displacement

Daily stressors and work usually coincide with some metabolic measure of the volume of activity a person has completed, such as total caloric expenditure. 

Mechanical work, on the other hand, is defined as the product of the magnitude of a force that creates a change in position, and the linear displacement (straight-line distance) defines the change in position.

128.

Which of the following is the BEST option for lunch for a client who is aiming to reduce his overall LDL cholesterol levels?

  • Grilled chicken over quinoa and spinach

  • Lean ground beef bowls with steamed vegetables and white rice 

  • Ham and cheese sandwich on whole grain bread

  • Chicken noodle soup

Correct answer: Grilled chicken over quinoa and spinach

Emphasis is placed on vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains, while limiting the intake of sweets, sugar-sweetened beverages, and red meats to reduce overall LDL cholesterol levels.  

Even if the beef is labeled lean, it is best practice to substitute red meat for alternatives. Processed animal products, such as ham and fatty cheese, is not the best option in this case. Chicken noodle soup contains no sources of whole grains, fruit, or vegetables.

129.

Which of the following BEST describes the recommended amount of cardiovascular training for a client with arthritis?

  • 3-5 days/week, Low-to-moderate intensity, 150 minutes per week, Focus on large muscle groups

  • 2-3 days/week, Low intensity, 75 minutes per week, Focus on high impact activities

  • 1-3 days/week, Moderate intensity, 75 minutes per week, Focus on low impact activities

  • 3-4 days/week, Moderate-to-high intensity, 150 minutes per week, Focus on high impact activities

Correct answer: 3-5 days/week, Low-to-moderate intensity, 150 minutes per week, Focus on large muscle groups

Arthritis is a group of over 100 medical conditions that affect the joints, bones and muscles. It causes pain, stiffness and inflammation in affected areas. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, an age-related condition caused by wear and tear on the joint cartilage.

Other types include rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disorder) and psoriatic arthritis (a form of inflammatory arthritis).

The recommended amount of cardiovascular training for a client with arthritis includes:

  • 3-5 days/week
  • Low-to-moderate intensity
  • 150 minutes per week
  • Focus on large muscle groups

130.

All of the following physiological aspects decrease with age, EXCEPT:

  • Fat mass

  • Bone mineral density

  • Maximal cardiac output

  • Insulin sensitivity

Correct answer: Fat mass

Although it is unavoidable that physiological function declines with age, the rate and magnitude of change depend on a mixture of genetics, individual health, the presence of disease or injury, and exercise history. 

Individuals of similar ages can differ significantly when compared in their functional capacity, which in turn will affect how they respond to exercise. Typically, physiological aspects such as bone mineral density, maximal cardiac output, and insulin sensitivity all decrease with age, while fat mass can increase.

131.

You have a new client who has never followed a structured exercise program before. She is relatively sedentary on a daily basis and would like to be stronger and healthier overall.

Which of the following exercise selections would be BEST for her first week working with a personal trainer?

  • 30-minute sessions and recommend that she walk for at least 15 minutes each day

  • 60 minutes of gentle warm-up and 45 minute of focused strength training

  • 45 minutes of low-impact cardio

  • Recommend that she wait until after her pregnancy to start her program

Correct answer: 30-minute sessions and recommend that she walk for at least 15 minutes each day

Shorter sessions for new clients who are pregnant are excellent options. The goal is to slowly increase exercise duration and intensity over time. For the first week, it is completely appropriate to stick to 30-minute sessions and advise daily activities throughout her day.

60-minute sessions, including a 45-minute strength training session, may be too overwhelming for a new client who is also pregnant. 45 minutes of low-impact cardio may be appropriate for some clients, but in this example, it is too long and does not address any strength goals. Recommending that she wait until after pregnancy is not correct — it is well-studied and highly recommended that women exercise during pregnancy to reduce the risk of complications.

132.

When taking skinfold measurements, how long should a personal trainer wait to read the caliper results after pinching the skin?

  • 1 to 2 seconds

  • Read as soon as possible

  • 4 to 5 seconds

  • 2 to 3 seconds

Correct answer: 1 to 2 seconds

When performed by a skilled technician, skinfold measurements can be used to determine body composition and provide an accurate measurement. A personal trainer should wait for one to two seconds after pinching the skin to allow the pinched skin to settle, which will provide a more accurate caliper reading.

133.

A male client is 40 years of age, has not smoked in the last ten years, has a BMI of 26.2, has a blood pressure of 125/87 mmHg, and has no known personal or family history of cardiovascular disease. 

In which category of risk classification does he belong?

  • Low risk

  • High risk

  • Moderate risk

  • No risk

Correct answer: Low risk

This particular client has no known cardiovascular, metabolic, or renal (CMR) disease or any signs or symptoms to suggest these diseases. He also has no cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Risk classification is based upon whether an individual has a known CMR disease, signs or symptoms of these diseases, or whether they have two or more CVD risk factors.

Determining risk is important during the assessment process to ensure client safety.

134.

All the following are risk factors for type 2 diabetes EXCEPT:

  • High HDL cholesterol

  • High alcohol intake

  • High-fat diet

  • Ethnicity

Correct answer: High HDL cholesterol 

In general, the critical risk factors for type 2 diabetes are associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Primary risk factors are age, family history, ethnicity, obesity, high alcohol intake, high-fat diet, high blood triglycerides, high blood pressure, and gestational diabetes. 

High HDL cholesterol is referred to as “good” cholesterol and is considered a positive risk factor.

135.

During static stretching, to what point is the muscle passively taken for thirty seconds?

  • Point of peak tension

  • Point of contraction

  • Point of discomfort

  • Point of relaxation

Correct answer: Point of peak tension 

Easily the most common method used to improve flexibility, static stretching can be performed actively and passively. This type of stretching also consists of moving slowly into a position and holding it for a few seconds at peak tension. The position is held at peak tension for 10 to 30 seconds before returning to the starting position of the stretch.

136.

Which of the following situations would warrant retesting of skinfold measurements?

  • If two measurements at the same site are not within 1-2 mm of each other

  • If measurements are not taken when the client is hydrated

  • If the client has just finished eating

  • If the client has just finished exercising

Correct answer: If two measurements at the same site are not within 1-2 mm of each other

Percentage of body fat can be accurately determined through the use of skinfold measurements. However, the technician must be properly trained in the use of skinfold calipers, and the calipers need to be of high quality. 

The subject needs to be standing upright during a measurement. All measurements should take place on the right side of the body with the calipers placed directly on the skin surface. If measurements at one site are not within 1-2 mm of each other, then duplicate measures should be taken and should be retested.

137.

Self-monitoring helps increase which of the following in an individual?

  • Awareness

  • Dedication

  • Commitment

  • Reinforcement

Correct answer: Awareness

Self-monitoring refers to an individual tracking their own behavior. This serves two purposes: 

  • Increasing one's awareness
  • Monitoring one's progress

Examples of self-monitoring include writing in an exercise planner, performing a weekly weigh-in, and keeping a food log.

138.

Which type of hormones break down protein?

  • Catabolic hormones

  • Endothermic hormones

  • Anabolic hormones

  • Exothermic hormones

Correct answer: Catabolic hormones

Body proteins regularly change with the influence of anabolic hormones and catabolic hormones. New proteins are made with the help of anabolic hormones such as growth hormone, androgen, insulin, and thyroid hormone. 

Proteins can be broken down by catabolic hormones including cortisone, hydrocortisone, and thyroxin.

139.

What is the recommended VO2R for moderate-intensity exercise for healthy adults?

  • 40% to 59% VO2R

  • 60% to 79% VO2R

  • 80% to 99% VO2R

  • 30% to 39% VO2R

Correct answer: 40% to 59% VO2R

While minimal health benefits can be attained in as little as one to two sessions per week, current guidelines recommend physical activity on most days of the week.

VO2R refers to the volume of oxygen consumed relative to body weight and it’s a measure of the amount of energy being expended during exercise. The higher the VO2R, the greater the intensity of the exercise.

If you have a client who is a healthy adult and they are engaging in moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise a minimum of five days per week, they should be aiming for 40% to 59% of their VO2R.

It is important for clients (and their trainers) to progress gradually with their intensity levels when engaging in endurance activities such as running, cycling, or swimming. This is especially important for those who may be new to these activities or have not been engaging in them regularly.

Strength training should also form part of a balanced physical activity program and should include exercises that involve all major muscle groups.

140.

Which of the following is contraindicated for pregnant women?

  • Activities at elevations greater than 6,000 feet

  • Exercising at an RPE of 12-13

  • Static stretching

  • Resistance training

Correct answer: Activities at elevations greater than 6,000 feet

Exercise is encouraged for pregnant individuals, provided appropriate medical clearance has been obtained and a pre-participation screening has been completed. Many factors determine a safe intensity level for aerobic exercise, but an RPE of 12-13 (on the 6-20 scale) is generally acceptable. Some individuals may be able to safely perform more vigorous training, but this must be approved by their obstetrician.

Static stretching and resistance training can both be beneficial throughout pregnancy. It's important to know how the hormone relaxin affects joint stability during pregnancy. Also, heavy lifting can cause a spike in blood pressure or heart rate and should be avoided. Moderate and lighter loads are more appropriate.

Activities performed at a high elevation (over 6,000 feet) are contraindicated for pregnant individuals, as this can lead to complications. In addition, it's also important to avoid training in the supine position, as this position can affect venous return, causing a decrease in blood pressure.