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

After class, a participant approaches you with a sensitive personal situation. What is your responsibility?

1. Provide detailed advice

2. Maintain confidentiality, unless there is risk for harm

3. Refer them to a professional

4. Discuss their situation with other participants

The correct answer is: Maintain confidentiality, unless there is risk for harm

Maintaining confidentiality is a fundamental principle in any fitness setting, especially when a participant shares sensitive personal information. This responsibility ensures that the trust between you and the participant is upheld. Confidentiality means keeping private information to yourself and not disclosing it to others without consent. However, it's essential to recognize that if the information shared poses a risk for harm, such as threats to their safety or the safety of others, you need to take appropriate action, which may involve reporting the risk to relevant authorities. While referring the participant to a professional may seem like an appropriate response, the emphasis on maintaining confidentiality highlights that simply listening and offering support does not require immediate referral unless the situation dictates that level of intervention. Providing detailed advice might overstep your professional boundaries, as you are not licensed to offer psychological or medical advice unless you have the proper qualifications. Discussing the participant's situation with others violates confidentiality, which could lead to a breach of trust and potentially harm the participant's well-being. Thus, maintaining confidentiality, while being alert to any signs of potential risk, aligns with the professional responsibilities of a group fitness instructor.