MEPS Medical Examination Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During the MEPS audiometric test, what condition would result in a disqualifying hearing loss finding?
- Unable to hear a whisper at 5 feet
- Average hearing threshold exceeding 40 dB in the better ear across speech frequencies (Correct answer)
- Any measurable hearing loss in either ear
- Failure to hear a 1000 Hz tone at 25 dB in one ear
Correct answer: Average hearing threshold exceeding 40 dB in the better ear across speech frequencies
MEPS uses audiometric standards where an average threshold above 40 dB across speech frequencies (500, 1000, 2000 Hz) in the better ear is generally disqualifying.
Question 2: Which specialist conducts the actual physical examination at MEPS?
- A licensed practical nurse
- A MEPS medical officer (physician or PA) (Correct answer)
- A Department of Defense contracted civilian doctor
- A senior enlisted medical technician
Correct answer: A MEPS medical officer (physician or PA)
MEPS medical officers, who are physicians or physician assistants, conduct the physical examination and make medical determinations.
Question 3: A recruit has a history of asthma with no symptoms or treatment after age 13. How is this typically handled at MEPS?
- Automatically disqualified regardless of symptom-free period
- May be qualified if documented symptom-free and treatment-free since age 13 (Correct answer)
- Requires a pulmonary function test waiver regardless of history
- Granted automatic waiver without additional documentation
Correct answer: May be qualified if documented symptom-free and treatment-free since age 13
Per DoDI 6130.03, asthma or reactive airway disease after age 13 is disqualifying, but those with no symptoms or treatment after that age may be found qualified.
Question 4: What does the MEPS urinalysis screen primarily test for?
- Kidney disease and protein levels only
- Illegal drugs including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP (Correct answer)
- Blood glucose and diabetes markers
- Sexually transmitted infections
Correct answer: Illegal drugs including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP
The MEPS urinalysis is primarily a drug screening panel that tests for a standard panel of controlled substances.
Question 5: During the MEPS orthopedic examination, what specific movement is assessed to check for scoliosis?
- Standing at attention with arms raised overhead
- The Adams forward bend test where the recruit bends forward at the waist (Correct answer)
- Lateral side bends while seated
- Walking on heels and toes across the examination room
Correct answer: The Adams forward bend test where the recruit bends forward at the waist
The Adams forward bend test causes spinal curvature to become visible as a rib hump if scoliosis is present.
Question 6: What is the purpose of the HIV antibody test administered at MEPS?
- To disqualify all HIV-positive applicants from service
- To establish a baseline record; HIV-positive status alone is not immediately disqualifying under current policy (Correct answer)
- To comply with federal law requiring HIV screening for all federal employees
- To screen out applicants who may have engaged in high-risk behavior
Correct answer: To establish a baseline record; HIV-positive status alone is not immediately disqualifying under current policy
Current DoD policy allows HIV-positive service members in some roles, and the MEPS test establishes a baseline; the outcome is service-branch and waiver dependent.
Question 7: A MEPS applicant is found to have a blood pressure reading of 150/92 mmHg on the first measurement. What is the standard MEPS protocol?
- Immediate disqualification with no recourse
- A second reading is taken after a rest period; if still elevated, referral or temporary disqualification may follow (Correct answer)
- The applicant is sent home and must return with a 30-day blood pressure log
- The reading is ignored if the applicant has no history of hypertension
Correct answer: A second reading is taken after a rest period; if still elevated, referral or temporary disqualification may follow
MEPS protocol typically allows for a repeat measurement after the applicant rests, recognizing that anxiety or exertion can temporarily elevate blood pressure.
MEPS Medical Examination Procedures 2
During the MEPS audiometric test, what condition would result in a disqualifying hearing loss finding?