WGU Health, Fitness, and Wellness (HIO1) Questions and Answers
Which description of the REM sleep phase is true?
Options:
It occurs in longer periods during the first half of the night.
It is characterized by slowed breathing and heart rate.
It is when most dreams occur.
It is characterized by fluctuations between light sleep and wakefulness.
Answer:
CExplanation:
REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleepis best known as the stage in whichmost vivid dreaming occurs, making optionCthe true description. During REM, brain activity becomes more active and can resemble wakefulness in some ways, which helps explain why dreams can feel intense, emotional, and story-like. REM plays an important role in mental recovery, learning, and emotional processing, which is why adequate sleep time supports mood and cognitive performance.
REM does not usually occur in longer periods during the first half of the night. Instead, sleep cycles repeat roughly every 90 minutes, andREM periods typically become longer later in the night, especially in the second half. That is why cutting sleep short often reduces REM time disproportionately.
OptionBis also incorrect because REM is not defined by a steady slowing of breathing and heart rate. While the body’s muscles are largely relaxed and temporarily “inhibited” to prevent acting out dreams,breathing and heart rate can be more variablein REM compared with deeper non-REM sleep.
OptionDdescribesStage 1 (N1)rather than REM. Stage 1 is the drifting transition where a person can easily wake up, whereas REM is a distinct phase within the sleep cycle.
From a health and wellness perspective, understanding REM can help explain why consistent sleep duration matters. People often feel mentally foggy or emotionally reactive when they miss sleep because REM and other key stages are shortened. Supporting REM sleep involves steady sleep-wake times, limiting alcohol close to bedtime, managing stress, and creating a dark, cool, quiet sleep environment.
Using face-to-face employee reviews to gain a better understanding of the employee’s feelings and perspective is an example of which SEL competency?
Options:
Social-awareness
Executive function
Self-awareness
Communication and leadership
Answer:
AExplanation:
This scenario best matches social awareness (A). Social awareness involves understanding others’ feelings, perspectives, and needs, and responding with empathy and respect. In a face-to-face employee review, the reviewer can observe nonverbal cues (tone, facial expression, posture), ask clarifying questions, and listen actively. This helps the manager accurately understand the employee’s experience, concerns, and motivations—key components of social awareness.
Social awareness supports fair and supportive workplace interactions. Rather than focusing only on performance metrics, a socially aware approach considers the human factors that affect performance: workload stress, unclear expectations, confidence, interpersonal conflict, or barriers outside work. By understanding the employee’s perspective, the manager can respond more effectively—adjusting goals, offering training, clarifying expectations, or providing resources. This strengthens trust and can improve both well-being and productivity.
The other competencies do not fit as precisely. Executive function focuses on planning, organization, and impulse control—important for running a review but not the key skill described. Self-awareness involves recognizing one’s own emotions and biases, which can be helpful during reviews, but the question emphasizes understanding the employee’s feelings and perspective. Communication and leadership are certainly involved in conducting reviews, but the specific focus here is empathy and perspective-taking, which is the hallmark of social awareness.
In SEL, social awareness helps people build healthier relationships, reduce conflict, and create supportive environments—exactly what a thoughtful face-to-face review is meant to accomplish.
Which scenario is an example of an effective self-management skill?
Options:
Setting short-term and long-term goals for graduation
Taking the lead on a group project at one’s workplace
Providing support for a fellow student who is struggling in a course
Maintaining a positive attitude after failing an assessment
Answer:
DExplanation:
Self-management is the SEL competency focused on regulating emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively in different situations. It includes managing stress, controlling impulses, motivating oneself, and using coping strategies to stay on track with goals. Among the options, maintaining a positive attitude after failing an assessment (D) best demonstrates self-management because it shows emotional regulation and resilience in response to a setback. Instead of spiraling into frustration or giving up, the person controls their reaction and keeps a constructive mindset, which supports persistence and healthier coping.
While option A (setting short- and long-term goals) is valuable, it is more directly tied to planning and organization skills often grouped under executive functioning. Option B (taking the lead on a group project) aligns strongly with communication, leadership, and collaboration skills. Option C (providing support for a struggling student) reflects social awareness and relationship skills—empathy, helping, and cooperation.
In wellness education, self-management is commonly taught through strategies such as positive self-talk, stress reduction techniques (breathing, breaks, movement), time management, and reframing challenges as learning opportunities. Maintaining a positive attitude after failure is a practical example because it requires the person to notice discouraging thoughts and choose a healthier response. This skill protects emotional well-being, reduces avoidance behaviors, and helps people take the next effective action—reviewing mistakes, seeking help, and improving study habits—rather than being stuck in shame or frustration.
Which disorder includes having low energy, difficulty sleeping, missing assignments, and avoiding friends?
Options:
Schizophrenia
Depressive disorder
Bipolar disorder
Anxiety disorder
Answer:
BExplanation:
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.
Under which category of drugs is cocaine classified?
Options:
Opioid
Stimulants
Depressants
Cannabinoid
Answer:
BExplanation:
Cocaine is classified as astimulantbecause it speeds up activity in the central nervous system. Stimulants typically increase alertness, energy, and feelings of confidence or euphoria, while also raising heart rate and blood pressure. Cocaine produces these effects by strongly increasing certain brain chemicals involved in reward and arousal, which is why it can feel intensely reinforcing and is associated with high risk of dependence.
From a health perspective, stimulant effects also explain many of cocaine’s dangers. Short-term risks include rapid heartbeat, elevated blood pressure, agitation, anxiety, and impaired judgment. Because stimulants strain the cardiovascular system, cocaine use is associated with serious complications such as irregular heart rhythms, heart attack, stroke, overheating, and seizures—sometimes even in younger people. The risk increases with higher doses, repeated use, mixing with other substances, or underlying health conditions.
The other categories listed do not fit cocaine’s primary effects.Opioids(such as heroin or certain prescription pain medicines) generally slow breathing and are known for pain relief and sedation.Depressants(such as alcohol or certain sedatives) slow down brain activity, often causing drowsiness and impaired coordination.Cannabinoidsare substances related to cannabis and have a different pattern of effects on perception, mood, and coordination. Cocaine’s hallmark is stimulation—higher energy, faster body processes, and increased nervous system activity—sostimulantsis the correct classification.
Understanding drug categories is important in health education because it helps explain expected effects, risks, signs of misuse, and why combining substances can be especially dangerous.
Which scenario is an example of exercising executive function?
Options:
Recognizing a need to create a better work and life balance
Contacting people in a cohort to join a study group
Rewarding oneself for successful on-time progress
Contacting the Math Center for help after a failed math assessment
Answer:
DExplanation:
Executive functionrefers to the mental skills used to plan, organize, prioritize, and problem-solve. It includes setting goals, monitoring progress, adjusting strategies, and making responsible choices based on feedback. In this question,contacting the Math Center for help after a failed math assessment (D)best demonstrates executive function because it shows a logical, goal-directed response to a problem: the person reviews the outcome (failed assessment), identifies a need (improve understanding), selects a resource (Math Center), and takes an action aligned with future success. This reflects planning and problem-solving rather than avoidance.
OptionA(recognizing a need for better work-life balance) reflects insight and reflection, but it is more closely linked toself-awarenessunless it includes a clear plan and follow-through steps. OptionB(contacting cohort members to join a study group) is a helpful academic strategy and may involve planning, but it primarily emphasizes collaboration and communication. OptionC(rewarding oneself for on-time progress) is aself-managementstrategy that supports motivation and habit-building rather than the decision-making and problem-solving process.
In Social and Emotional Learning, executive function skills help individuals respond constructively to setbacks. Instead of interpreting failure as a dead end, they treat it as data: “What didn’t work, and what can I do differently?” Then they choose practical next steps such as seeking tutoring, creating a study schedule, breaking topics into smaller goals, and practicing consistently. This competency supports academic performance, workplace success, and health behaviors because it strengthens the ability to make planned choices rather than reacting impulsively or giving up.
Many students in a preschool class are ill with a common cold. The teacher wants to avoid becoming infected. Which strategy will help reduce the possibility of transmission?
Options:
Drink plenty of water
Take vitamin C daily
Wash hands frequently
Eat a lot of dairy
Answer:
CExplanation:
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.
Which term categorizes vitamins and minerals?
Options:
Antioxidants
Essential amino acids
Macronutrients
Micronutrients
Answer:
DExplanation:
Vitamins and minerals are categorized asmicronutrientsbecause the body needs them insmall amountsto support essential functions, even though they donotprovide calories (energy). They play critical roles in maintaining normal growth, immune function, bone health, blood formation, nerve signaling, and metabolism. For example, vitamins such asA, C, D, E, K, and theB-complexhelp regulate processes like vision, collagen formation, calcium absorption, antioxidant defense, and energy metabolism. Minerals such ascalcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and iodinesupport bone structure, oxygen transport, fluid balance, muscle contraction, enzyme activity, and thyroid function.
Micronutrients differ frommacronutrients(carbohydrates, fats, and proteins), which are needed in larger quantities and supply the body with energy and building materials. In a balanced diet, macronutrients provide fuel and tissue-building components, while micronutrients help the bodyuse that fuel effectivelyand keep organs and systems functioning properly.
The other options are not correct categories for vitamins and minerals.Antioxidantsdescribe substances that help protect cells from oxidative damage; some vitamins (like C and E) act as antioxidants, but not all vitamins and minerals are classified that way.Essential amino acidsare the building blocks of protein that must come from food; they are not vitamins or minerals. Therefore, “micronutrients” is the broad, accurate classification that includes both vitamins and minerals, highlighting their importance despite the small amounts required.
Which sleep stage is characterized by fluctuations between light sleep and wakefulness?
Options:
REM
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Answer:
BExplanation:
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.
Which term describes the amount of energy that can be derived from food?
Options:
Nutrient
Calories
Vitamins
Metabolism
Answer:
BExplanation:
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.
Which of the following contribute to a healthy diet?Select 3 answers.
Options:
Limiting intake of added sugars and salt
Consuming three-ounce equivalents or more per day of whole-grain foods
Choosing a variety of fruits and vegetables each day
Allocating over 20% of daily calories to saturated fatty acids
Consuming whole-milk products after childhood
Answer:
A, B, CExplanation:
A healthy diet supports steady energy, healthy body composition, heart health, digestion, and long-term disease prevention. The three options that most directly align with widely taught nutrition principles arelimiting added sugars and salt (A),including whole grains (B), andeating a variety of fruits and vegetables (C).
Limitingadded sugarshelps reduce excess calorie intake with little nutritional value and supports healthier blood sugar patterns and dental health. Reducingsalt (sodium)supports healthy blood pressure, which is a major protective factor for cardiovascular and kidney health. Choosing a variety offruits and vegetablesincreases intake of fiber, potassium, and many vitamins and protective plant compounds. Variety matters because different colors and types provide different nutrient profiles (for example, leafy greens, orange vegetables, berries, and cruciferous vegetables each contribute unique benefits).
Consumingwhole grains—such as oats, brown rice, whole-wheat bread, and whole-grain pasta—supports digestive health through fiber, improves fullness, and contributes nutrients like B vitamins and minerals. Many educational nutrition plans encourage making at least half of grains whole, and “three-ounce equivalents or more” reflects a common daily target used in dietary planning.
The remaining options do not reflect healthy-diet guidance. Allocatingover 20% of daily calories to saturated fat (D)is generally considered too high and is associated with poorer heart-health patterns when it displaces unsaturated fats. “Consuming whole-milk products after childhood (E)” is not a general requirement for health; while dairy can be part of a balanced diet, choosinglower-fat dairyis often recommended to limit saturated fat while still getting calcium and protein.
What are recommended ways to maintain good dental hygiene?Choose 3 answers.
Options:
Visiting a dentist once a year
Using fluoride toothpaste
Flossing daily
Brushing teeth with rigorous strokes
Brushing teeth after meals
Answer:
A, B, CExplanation:
Good dental hygiene focuses on preventing cavities, gum disease, and bad breath by controlling plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) and strengthening tooth enamel. Three widely recommended, core strategies are:regular dental visits,brushing with fluoride toothpaste, andcleaning between teeth daily.
Using fluoride toothpaste (B)is strongly recommended because fluoride helpsremineralize enameland makes teeth more resistant to decay. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste removes plaque and reduces the bacteria that cause cavities and gum inflammation.
Flossing daily (C)is essential because a toothbrush cannot effectively clean the tight spaces between teeth or under the gumline edges. Flossing helps prevent cavities between teeth and reduces the risk of gingivitis by removing trapped food particles and plaque in areas brushes miss.
Visiting a dentist once a year (A)supports prevention through professional cleaning and early detection of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Some people may need checkups more often depending on risk, but “once a year” reflects a reasonable baseline for routine preventive care.
Two options are not ideal.Brushing with rigorous strokes (D)is discouraged because aggressive brushing can wear enamel and irritate gums, potentially leading to gum recession and sensitivity. Effective brushing should begentle, thorough, and consistent, not forceful.
Brushing teeth after meals (E)can be helpful sometimes, but it is not always the top universal recommendation compared with twice-daily brushing and daily flossing. In some cases—especially after acidic foods or drinks—brushing immediately may not be ideal for enamel. Therefore, the best three foundational choices areA, B, and C.