PN Level 2 cheat sheet

Transtheoretical model stages: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance; relapse is a return to an earlier stage, not a failed stage, and stage-matched tasks differ at each one.

Decisional balance: weigh perceived pros and cons of changing versus staying the same; pros typically rise and cons fall as a client moves from contemplation toward action.

Self-efficacy (Bandura) predicts initiation and maintenance; build it through mastery experiences, vicarious modeling, verbal persuasion, and managed arousal states.

Self-determination theory needs: autonomy, competence, relatedness. Interventions that support these three needs raise intrinsic motivation and durable adherence.

SMART goal rule: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound; outcome goals should be paired with behavior and process goals the client directly controls.

FITT-VP prescription frame: Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type, Volume, Progression; progression rule of thumb is no more than roughly 10 percent weekly increase in volume.

Motivational interviewing core skills (OARS): open questions, affirmations, reflections, summaries; the change talk ratio matters more than advice volume.

Stages-of-change-matched processes: consciousness raising and dramatic relief fit contemplation; self-reevaluation and self-liberation fit preparation; stimulus control and counterconditioning fit action and maintenance.

Relapse-prevention triad: identify high-risk situations, rehearse coping responses, and plan a lapse-recovery script so a single slip does not escalate to full relapse.

SOAP note structure for client records: Subjective (client report), Objective (measured data), Assessment (interpretation), Plan (next actions); keep each section factual and dated.

PAR-Q+ screening logic: any positive answer triggers follow-up questions; clearance or adapted programming follows, and the trainer documents the decision rather than skipping screening.

Baseline assessment battery rule: measure before prescribing, repeat at fixed intervals (commonly 4-6 weeks) with identical protocol so change reflects training rather than test variation.

Red-flag referral thresholds: chest pain, syncope, unexplained dyspnea, or new joint instability warrant stopping the session and referring to a physician, not programming around it.

Mentor feedback loop: observe session, record specific behavior, compare to a rubric or competency standard, deliver one or two prioritized corrections, then reassess at the next session.

Scope-of-practice boundary: trainers prescribe exercise and behavior support; they do not diagnose, prescribe diets for clinical conditions, or adjust medication.

Adherence tracking: log attendance, session completion, and self-monitoring compliance; a drop in any one metric is an early signal to renegotiate the program.

Program-review decision rule: if the client meets progression criteria, advance load or volume; if adherence is below target, fix the barrier before changing the exercise prescription.

Client-centered problem solving sequence: define the specific barrier, generate options with the client, select one, set a review date, and record the outcome in the file.