Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) Practice Exam

A client with obesity states that it is becoming difficult to talk during exercise and it's somewhat hard. Which of the following intensity ratings is the client MOST likely referring to on the RPE scale?

1. 4

2. 2

3. 6

4. 9

The correct answer is: 4

The intensity rating that the client is most likely referring to on the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale is 4. This scale typically ranges from 1 to 10, with 1 being very light activity and 10 being maximal exertion. A rating of 4 reflects a moderate level of intensity where an individual can still converse but may find it increasingly challenging to do so. When someone comments that talking during exercise is becoming difficult, they may be experiencing a level of exertion where they are aware of their breathing and the effort required, which aligns closely with the feeling described at an RPE of 4. Ratings higher than this, such as 6 or 9, would likely indicate a greater effort where talking would be quite difficult, and the individual would likely be more focused on managing their breath than engaging in a conversation. Conversely, a rating of 2 indicates very light activity where talking would be easy. Thus, a rating of 4 accurately captures the client’s experience of increased effort during exercise while still allowing for some conversation.