Question

A coach has his NBC-HWC and is an LPN. His client describes his diet and states that he knows he is getting too much saturated fat in his diet. He also says he eats too much sugar and lots of energy drinks. The client states that he also exercises very little and sits at his job all day.

Which of the following is most appropriate response from the coach that is within their scope of practice?
A. Recommend the client see a medical provider.
B. Recommend the client try a ketogenic diet.
C. Explore with the client potential changes in their diet and exercise habits they want to make.
D. Discuss a personalized nutrition plan you can create for the client by doing a diet analysis

Answer 1

The most appropriate response from the coach within their scope of practice is to explore with the client potential changes in their diet and exercise habits they want to make. This approach supports behavioral change in line with health coaching principles without overstepping professional boundaries.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a coach with an NBC-HWC certification and LPN qualifications is approached by a client discussing their diet and lifestyle, it is within the coach's scope of practice to explore potential changes that the client is willing to make regarding their diet and exercise habits. This approach aligns with the philosophy of health coaching, which emphasizes collaborative goal-setting and supportive guidance to foster behavioral change. Exploring dietary and exercise changes focuses on the client's readiness to make healthier lifestyle choices without overstepping into areas that require specialized dietary knowledge or medical advice.

However, if the client's dietary habits or health conditions warrant it, the coach may suggest the client see a medical provider for further evaluation and tailored advice. A coach should not recommend specific diets, such as a ketogenic diet, without proper nutritionist qualifications, and should not prescribe a personalized nutrition plan or perform a diet analysis, as doing so may fall outside their professional scope of practice.