Free Practice Questions for WGU Health-Fitness-and-Wellness Exam

Caloriesare the standard unit used to describe theamount of energy provided by food and drinks, so optionBis correct. In nutrition education, calories represent how much potential energy the body can obtain from what you eat. Your body uses this energy to power essential functions such as breathing, circulation, maintaining body temperature, repairing tissues, and supporting movement and exercise.

Calories primarily come from macronutrients:carbohydrates, fats, and proteins(and also alcohol). Each macronutrient contributes a certain amount of energy per gram, and the total calorie content of a food depends on how much of these macronutrients it contains. When energy intake from calories matches energy needs, body weight tends to stay stable. When intake is consistently higher than needs, excess energy is stored (often as body fat). When intake is consistently lower than needs, the body draws on stored energy, which can lead to weight loss.

The other options are related concepts but don’t mean “energy amount.” Anutrientis a broad term for substances the body needs for health (including carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water). Not all nutrients provide energy—vitamins and minerals, for example, support body processes but do not supply calories.Vitaminsare micronutrients required in small amounts for functions like immunity, vision, and energy metabolism, but they are not a direct measure of energy.Metabolismrefers to the body’s chemical processes that convert food into energy and building blocks; it describes the process, not the unit of energy.

For fitness and health, focusing on both calorie balance and nutrient quality is important—choosing nutrient-dense foods helps support performance, recovery, and long-term wellness.

For lowering future cardiovascular risk—especially with afamily history of heart disease—the most consistently recommended exercise foundation ismoderate-intensity aerobic activity performed regularly throughout the week. The American Heart Association (AHA) advises adults to getat least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity(or 75 minutes vigorous, or a combination), preferably spread across the week. A very practical way to meet that goal is about30 minutes on 5 days per week, which aligns closely with “four to five times per week.”

Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise includes brisk walking, cycling at an easy-to-moderate pace, swimming, or dancing—activities that raise the heart rate and breathing while still allowing conversation (the “talk test”). These workouts improvecardiorespiratory fitness, help manageblood pressure, supporthealthy cholesterol patterns, improveinsulin sensitivity, and assist with weight management—key protective factors for heart health.

The other options are valuable but are not the primary AHA approach for reducing heart-disease risk in an otherwise healthy person. Stretching supports mobility and comfort, but it does not provide the same cardiovascular conditioning. Meditation can reduce stress and may support heart health indirectly, but it is not a substitute for aerobic conditioning. Strength training is important and is also recommended by the AHA (typicallyat least 2 days per week), but on its own it does not replace aerobic activity as the main strategy for cardiovascular risk reduction.

So, the best single choice ismoderate-intensity aerobic exercise four to five times per week, ideally combined with some resistance training across the week for a complete heart-healthy routine.

Adepressive disordercommonly involves a cluster of symptoms that affect mood, energy, thinking, behavior, and daily functioning. The signs listed—low energy,difficulty sleeping,missing assignments, andavoiding friends—fit well with depression because depression can reduce motivation, concentration, and interest in usual activities. People may feel persistently sad, empty, or irritable, and they may withdraw socially because interactions feel exhausting or because they experience low self-worth and guilt. Sleep disturbance is also common; some people have insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep), while others sleep more than usual but still feel tired.

Missing assignments can reflect decreased concentration, slowed thinking, or lack of motivation—often called “anhedonia” (loss of interest/pleasure) and reduced drive. Avoiding friends reflects social withdrawal, which can worsen symptoms by removing support and increasing isolation.

The other options are less consistent with the overall pattern.Schizophreniatypically features symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and significant changes in perception and behavior—these are not mentioned here.Bipolar disorderincludes episodes of depression, but it is distinguished by episodes ofmania or hypomania(periods of unusually elevated or irritable mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, and impulsive behavior).Anxiety disorderscan cause sleep issues and avoidance, but the combination of low energy, withdrawal, and functional decline described here aligns more strongly with depression.

Wellness education emphasizes early support: talking to a trusted adult or counselor, maintaining routines (sleep, meals, movement), and seeking professional help when symptoms persist or interfere with school and relationships.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) skills include abilities like self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. A key characteristic of SEL skills is that they arelearned and strengthened over time—not fixed traits—and they can continue to developthroughout adulthood. People refine SEL through life experiences, feedback, coaching, education, and intentional practice. For example, adults often improve communication, emotional regulation, empathy, and conflict resolution as they take on new roles such as employee, manager, partner, caregiver, or community member.

Option A fits this lifelong-development perspective. SEL skills build through repeated practice in real situations—handling stress, collaborating with others, managing frustration, and making thoughtful choices. This is why SEL is described as a set of competencies that can be taught, practiced, and improved at any stage of life.

The other options are inaccurate. SEL skills donottypically take a short time to develop; while small improvements can happen quickly, strong skills usually require ongoing practice. SEL skills are also not limited to the workplace; they apply at school, home, sports teams, friendships, and community settings. Finally, SEL skillscanbe measured in meaningful ways, such as through self-reflection checklists, observed behaviors, goal tracking, and growth over time in areas like cooperation, emotional regulation, and problem-solving.

In wellness education, understanding SEL as lifelong skills encourages a growth mindset: even if someone struggles with stress, confidence, or social connection now, they can improve with practice and support.

This scenario is a strong example ofsocial awareness (C). Social awareness involves recognizing and respecting the needs, values, and lived experiences of others, including cultural and religious practices. By scheduling a team dinnerafter sunsetto support team members who are fasting during daylight hours, the organizer demonstrates empathy, inclusivity, and consideration of others’ circumstances. This helps everyone feel respected and included, which supports a healthier team environment and stronger relationships.

Social awareness is more than simply knowing that people are fasting—it includes acting on that understanding in a practical way. Adjusting the schedule shows perspective-taking: “How will this plan affect others, and how can we make it accessible?” This is an important SEL skill for reducing unintentional exclusion and building trust within groups. Inclusive planning can improve morale, cooperation, and psychological safety, leading to better communication and teamwork.

The other competencies are not as direct.Self-managementrelates to controlling one’s own emotions and behaviors; it doesn’t focus on others’ needs.Self-awarenessrefers to understanding one’s own feelings, beliefs, and triggers.Communication and leadershipmay be involved in organizing an event, but the key element highlighted here is awareness of and respect for others’ needs—social awareness.

From a wellness perspective, inclusive practices also reduce stress for fasting individuals by removing social pressure to eat or attend during difficult times. It communicates belonging and respect, both of which positively influence emotional well-being and group cohesion.

Food intolerance commonly causesdigestive symptoms, andstomach crampsare among the most typical reactions. A food intolerance is generally different from a food allergy. Intolerances usually involve thedigestive system’s difficulty processinga food or component (for example, lactose intolerance due to low lactase enzyme activity). Symptoms often include abdominal pain or cramps, bloating, gas, nausea, and diarrhea. These symptoms may appear after eating certain foods and can vary with the amount consumed.

In contrast, swelling in the mouth, throat tightening, and difficulty breathing are warning signs more consistent with anallergic reaction, which involves the immune system and can become severe rapidly. Those symptoms can signalairway involvementand may indicate an emergency situation requiring immediate medical attention. The fact that options A, B, and D involve the mouth/throat/airway strongly points away from intolerance and toward allergy.

Understanding the difference matters for health and safety. While intolerances can significantly affect comfort and quality of life, they are less likely to cause sudden life-threatening reactions. Management typically focuses on identifying trigger foods, adjusting portion sizes, choosing substitutes (like lactose-free dairy), and reading ingredient labels. Keeping a food-and-symptom log can help pinpoint patterns. If symptoms are severe, persistent, or confusing—or if there is any airway swelling, hives, or breathing trouble—medical evaluation is important to rule out allergy or other conditions.

Therefore, the best answer isstomach cramps, because gastrointestinal discomfort is a hallmark feature of food intolerance, while breathing-related symptoms are far more characteristic of allergic reactions.

Frequent handwashing is one of the most effective, evidence-based strategies to reduce the spread of the common cold in group settings like preschools. Cold viruses (most commonly rhinoviruses) spread throughrespiratory dropletsandcontaminated surfaces. In classrooms, children often touch shared toys, tables, doorknobs, and their faces. When a teacher touches these surfaces and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth, the virus can enter the body. Washing hands frequently interrupts this route of transmission by physically removing germs before they can infect a personor be passed on to others.

Proper handwashing means using soap and water, scrubbing all hand surfaces (including between fingers and under nails) for at least20 seconds, then rinsing and drying thoroughly. If soap and water aren’t available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can help, though soap and water are preferred when hands are visibly dirty. In addition to hand hygiene, reducing face-touching and cleaning high-touch surfaces can further lower risk, but among the listed options, handwashing most directly reduces transmission.

The other choices support general health but don’t reliably prevent infection on their own. Drinking water helps hydration and normal body function, yet it does not stop viruses from spreading. Vitamin C may support immune function, but research shows it has limited effect in preventing colds for most people and cannot replace hygiene measures. Eating dairy is not a proven strategy to prevent cold transmission and may be irrelevant to infection control. For teachers and students, consistent hand hygiene remains a cornerstone of infection prevention, especially in environments with close contact and frequent shared materials.

Stage 1 sleep(often called N1) is the lightest sleep stage and is best described as the transition between being awake and being asleep. During this stage, people commonly drift in and out of sleep and may still be aware of their surroundings. That “in-between” quality is why Stage 1 is associated withfluctuations between light sleep and wakefulness.

In Stage 1, the body begins to relax: muscle activity decreases, eye movements slow, and brain activity starts shifting away from fully awake patterns. Because this stage is very light, it’s easy to wake up from it, and many people who are awakened during Stage 1 may even insist they were not asleep. Brief muscle twitches or the sensation of falling can occur as the nervous system transitions into sleep.

The other stages don’t match this description.Stage 2(N2) is also light sleep, but it is more stable than Stage 1 and represents a deeper “settled” sleep state where the body further relaxes and the brain shows specific patterns associated with maintaining sleep.Stage 3(N3) is deep sleep, where awakening is difficult and restorative processes are emphasized, including physical recovery and immune support.REMis a distinct stage typically associated with vivid dreaming and active brain patterns, but it is not described as drifting back and forth between wakefulness and sleep. Instead, REM is a recognizable sleep phase that cycles throughout the night.

Understanding Stage 1 matters for wellness because frequent awakenings can keep someone stuck in lighter stages, leaving them feeling unrefreshed. Improving sleep habits (consistent schedule, reduced caffeine late in the day, and a calmer wind-down routine) can help the body move smoothly beyond Stage 1 into more restorative sleep.

The player is demonstratingoptimism, a mental health strategy that involves maintaining a positive, realistic belief that future outcomes can improve through effort and learning. Optimism does not mean ignoring disappointment; it means interpreting setbacks astemporary and changeable, rather than permanent or personal failures. In this scenario, the athlete acknowledges the loss but believes thatmore trainingcan improve performance and lead to success next time. That is classic optimistic thinking paired with a growth-oriented mindset.

Optimism supports emotional wellness by reducing feelings of helplessness and increasing resilience. After a loss, an optimistic person is more likely to reflect on what can be improved (skills, conditioning, strategy, recovery habits) and take constructive action. This approach helps manage stress because attention shifts from what went wrong to what can be done next. It also supports confidence and persistence—two qualities strongly linked with long-term achievement in sports and academics.

The other choices do not fit as well.Avoidancewould look like ignoring the loss, skipping practice, or refusing to think about the tournament—none of which is happening.Pursue happinessis too general and doesn’t capture the specific strategy of expecting improvement through future effort.Meet self needsrefers more to self-care actions (rest, nutrition, boundaries, stress management), which can be part of recovery but is not the main strategy described.

In fitness and wellness learning, optimism is often taught alongside coping skills like reframing negative thoughts, setting process goals, and focusing on controllable actions—exactly what the player is doing by committing to training to influence the next outcome.