National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Group Fitness Instructor Practice Exam

If an instructor suspects a participant may be suffering from dehydration, what sign should prompt immediate help?

1. Nausea

2. Dizziness

3. Fatigue

4. Muscle cramps

The correct answer is: Dizziness

Dizziness is a critical sign that indicates a more severe level of dehydration and warrants immediate attention. When a participant experiences dizziness, it often suggests that their blood pressure may be dropping due to inadequate fluid levels, which can lead to a decrease in blood flow to essential organs. In a group fitness setting, it's important to identify and address this symptom promptly because dizziness can increase the risk of falls or further complications if not managed quickly. While nausea, fatigue, and muscle cramps are also common signs of dehydration, they may not signify an immediate risk to the participant's safety compared to dizziness. Nausea can occur from various causes, fatigue can develop gradually during a workout, and muscle cramps, though uncomfortable, do not typically require urgent intervention. Therefore, recognizing dizziness as a key symptom allows instructors to take appropriate action, such as providing hydration, monitoring the individual, or seeking medical assistance if needed.