Mixed Deck — All CHC Topics Flashcards

Health literacy in a coaching context refers to a client's ability to:

Answer: Obtain, process, and understand basic health information to make informed decisions

Health literacy encompasses the skills needed to find, understand, and act on health information, which coaches must assess and support.

A client in the Contemplation stage of the Transtheoretical Model is best described as:

Answer: Aware of a problem but ambivalent about changing

Contemplators recognize a problem and are weighing the pros and cons of change but have not committed to action.

Motivational interviewing's 'OARS' acronym stands for:

Answer: Open questions, Affirmations, Reflective listening, Summarizing

OARS describes the core communication skills of motivational interviewing: open questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summarizing.

How does the autonomic nervous system's response relate to stress management coaching?

Answer: Understanding fight-or-flight versus rest-and-digest responses helps coaches teach clients to activate relaxation responses

Understanding fight-or-flight (sympathetic) versus rest-and-digest (parasympathetic) responses helps coaches teach clients techniques that activate the relaxation response, reducing stress.

How does gratitude practice contribute to stress reduction in health coaching?

Answer: Regular gratitude practice shifts focus from stressors to positive aspects, improving mood, sleep, and psychological resilience

Research shows regular gratitude practice shifts cognitive focus, improves mood, enhances sleep quality, and builds psychological resilience, making it an evidence-based stress reduction tool.

Which dietary guidelines serve as the primary reference for US health coaches?

Answer: The Dietary Guidelines for Americans published by USDA and HHS

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, published jointly by the USDA and HHS every five years, serve as the evidence-based foundation for general nutrition guidance in health coaching.

What is the most effective approach to helping clients improve their eating habits?

Answer: Guiding clients to make gradual, sustainable changes that align with their preferences and lifestyle

Gradual, sustainable changes aligned with client preferences and lifestyle are most effective because they are maintainable long-term and build positive relationships with food.

A client says they use their phone in bed for an hour before sleep. What should a health coach advise?

Answer: Blue light from screens suppresses melatonin and should be avoided 30–60 minutes before bed

Blue light emitted by screens inhibits melatonin production, delaying sleep onset and reducing overall sleep quality.

A health coach disagrees with a client's dietary choice that is culturally significant to the client. The coach should:

Answer: Respect the client's cultural values and explore goals within their chosen framework

Cultural competence requires coaches to respect client values and work within the client's own context.

How should a CHC handle a client who sets unrealistic health goals?

Answer: Collaboratively explore the goals, help the client understand potential barriers, and guide them toward achievable milestones

Collaboratively exploring goals helps clients understand potential barriers while guiding them toward achievable milestones, maintaining motivation and building self-efficacy.

A health coach receives a subpoena requesting client session records. The coach should:

Answer: Consult with a legal professional before releasing any confidential client information

Legal demands for confidential records require professional legal guidance before any disclosure is made.

How should a CHC help a sedentary client begin an exercise routine?

Answer: Begin with small, achievable increments that build gradually, focusing on activities the client enjoys

Starting with small, achievable increments that build gradually while focusing on enjoyable activities maximizes adherence and reduces injury risk for previously sedentary clients.

Which element is MOST important when writing a client health coaching proposal for a new corporate account?

Answer: Clearly outlining the program goals, session structure, measurable outcomes, and coach qualifications

A strong proposal demonstrates professional credibility by aligning program design with organizational goals and specifying how outcomes will be measured.

Which technique helps a coach identify a client's values that can anchor long-term health behavior change?

Answer: Using values clarification exercises or open-ended questions about what matters most to the client

Values clarification uncovers intrinsic motivators that make behavior change personally meaningful and sustainable.

A client smokes 1 pack per day and has COPD. They express readiness to quit. Which evidence-based cessation approach should a health coach recommend?

Answer: Combination of behavioral counseling plus FDA-approved pharmacotherapy

Combining behavioral counseling with approved pharmacotherapy (NRT, varenicline, or bupropion) is consistently the most effective evidence-based cessation strategy.

Which of the following is a core component of Self-Determination Theory relevant to health coaching?

Answer: Autonomy, competence, and relatedness are basic psychological needs

Self-Determination Theory proposes that autonomy, competence, and relatedness are essential for intrinsic motivation and lasting behavior change.

A health coach uses the question 'What would need to be different for you to feel ready to make this change?' This is an example of:

Answer: Exploring readiness to change

This open question directly explores what conditions would shift the client's readiness, a core MI strategy.

What approach helps minimize client resistance during coaching sessions?

Answer: Using affirmations

Using affirmations involves recognizing and acknowledging the client's strengths, efforts, and positive qualities. This approach helps build self-efficacy, fosters a positive coaching relationship, and reduces resistance by validating the client's experiences and capabilities. Affirmations empower clients and encourage them to continue their efforts towards change.

A client consistently achieves their weekly goals but never advances toward their long-term vision. The coach should MOST likely:

Answer: Explore whether the long-term vision still reflects the client's values and gently bridge short- and long-term goals

Exploring alignment between short-term actions and the long-term vision ensures the plan remains connected to what matters most to the client.

Which element distinguishes a SMART health goal from a general health intention?

Answer: It includes a specific, measurable action with a defined time frame

SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, converting vague intentions into actionable commitments.