FREE NRCME Medical Standards and Regulations Questions and Answers
A medical examiner is required to ask all but which of the following questions?
Explanation:
While it is recommended to ask, it is not required that the medical examiner ask about the driver’s smoking habits. The other questions are necessary questions to ask during a medical examination.
The FMCSA provides exemption programs for which of the following?
Explanation:
FMCSA has two medical driver exemption programs: the Federal Vision Exemption Program (established in 1998) and the Diabetes Exemption Program (established in September of 2003). The medical examiner determines whether the driver would be otherwise qualified if accompanied by the Federal vision or diabetes exemption. As a result of the exemptions, the driver must undergo an annual medical examination for maintenance and renewal of the exemption.
Which of the following is true in regard to psychological disorders in drivers?
Explanation:
Drivers with an active psychotic disorder will exhibit unpredictable behavior, accompanied by poor judgment. Drivers with a mood disorder will exhibit slower reaction times during a depressive episode and gradiosity, impulsiveness, irritability, and aggressiveness during a manic episode. Lastly, drivers with personality disorders may exhibit inflexibility and maladaptive behaviors, along with an increased rash rate.
Which of the following stages of hypertension calls for a medical certificate that expires in a year?
Explanation:
Medical certificates for drivers with Stage 1 hypertension expire after a year. Stage 2 hypertension results in a one-time, three-month medical certificate. Stage 3 corresponds to a medical certificate, good for 6 months from date of the examination if the reading is less than or equal to 140/90. Lastly, Stage 4 hypertension doesn’t exist.
The driver is taking “Topomax” for the treatment of migraine headaches. He reports good management of his headaches and they never seem to interfere with his driving ability with the medication. The medical examiner should?
Explanation:
Topomox is a medication that is used for seizure control. The examiner should confirm with the prescribing provider that the driver does not take it to control seizures, and they are capable of driving a CMV.
When deciding if a commercial driver should be medically certified, what is the fundamental question a medical examiner should examine in regard to cardiovascular health?
Explanation:
When looking at the cardiovascular health of a driver, the fundamental question is whether the driver has a cardiovascular disease that increases the risk of sudden death or incapacitation, creating a danger to the safety and health of the driver, as well as the public sharing the road. While the history and family history of such diseases are important, they are not the fundamental questions necessary for which to ask.
How long is the certification period for a driver who has a vision exemption, and how long is the exemption good for?
Explanation:
Certification for a driver with a vision exemption is annually and the driver must reapply for the exemption every 2 years.
A medical examiner observes that a driver has a blood pressure of 160/100 and the driver had no prior knowledge of high blood pressure. Which of the following is the appropriate subsequent action for the medical examiner?
Explanation:
When a medical examiner observes that a driver has a blood pressure reading of 160/100 (or any reading above 139/89), it is vital that the examiner take a second measurement later in the examination. But, since the driver had no prior knowledge of such blood pressure, it is important for the examiner to refer him or her to a primary care provider. It is not the job of the medical examiner to diagnose or treat the underlying disease. Thus, it is important for the driver to see someone who can diagnose and treat such a disease before proceeding in the certification process.
Which of the following is not true in regards to performing the physical examination?
Explanation:
There is not in fact a maximum (or minimum) height (or weight) requirement for drivers. For each body system, mark “Yes” on the Report Form if abnormalities are detected or “No” if the body system is normal. The medical examiner must document all abnormal findings on the Report Form, even if they are not disqualifying. Lastly, the individual parts of the body system are categorized numerically.
A driver has a blood pressure of 168/112 confirmed during the examination. The driver would be?
Explanation:
This is Stage 3 hypertension. The driver is disqualified until their blood pressure is less than 140/90 at which time they will have a maximum certification of 6 months for the rest of their career.
How long would the driver be certified for if they are taking Micardis HCT for hypertension, and has a confirmed blood pressure of 148/96 at the time of the examination?
Explanation:
Because the driver has a history of hypertension (he is taking medication), and he had Stage 1 hypertension during his exam, he would be provided a 1-time, 3-month certificate in order to lower his blood pressure to an acceptable level during that time.