MEPS Medical Examinations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which category in the PULHES profile specifically evaluates hearing and ear health?
- P — Physical capacity
- U — Upper extremities
- H — Hearing and ears (Correct answer)
- E — Eyes
Correct answer: H — Hearing and ears
The 'H' in PULHES stands for Hearing and ears, and a numeric rating from 1 to 4 is assigned based on auditory function.
Question 2: What is the purpose of the blood draw performed during the MEPS medical examination?
- To test athletic endurance markers
- To screen for HIV, blood type, and other medical conditions (Correct answer)
- To determine bone density
- To check vitamin deficiency levels only
Correct answer: To screen for HIV, blood type, and other medical conditions
The MEPS blood draw screens for HIV, identifies blood type, and checks for various medical conditions that could affect serviceability.
Question 3: A recruit has a history of asthma but has been symptom-free for five years with no medication. How is this typically handled at MEPS?
- Automatic permanent disqualification
- The recruit may qualify depending on documented history and age of onset (Correct answer)
- No further evaluation is needed since they are symptom-free
- The recruit must complete a military fitness test on-site
Correct answer: The recruit may qualify depending on documented history and age of onset
Asthma history is reviewed carefully; applicants who were symptom-free and off medication after age 13 may qualify depending on documented medical records.
Question 4: Which physical measurement taken at MEPS is used to assess body composition standards?
- Grip strength test
- Height and weight with body fat tape test if needed (Correct answer)
- VO2 max running assessment
- Bone density scan
Correct answer: Height and weight with body fat tape test if needed
MEPS records height and weight, and if a recruit exceeds weight limits, a body fat tape measurement is used to confirm compliance with branch standards.
Question 5: What is a 'disqualifying condition' in MEPS medical terminology?
- Any condition requiring prescription medication
- A medical finding that makes an applicant ineligible for military service unless waived (Correct answer)
- A temporary illness causing a one-day deferral
- A condition that requires extra physical training
Correct answer: A medical finding that makes an applicant ineligible for military service unless waived
A disqualifying condition is one listed in DoD Instruction 6130.03 that renders an applicant medically unsuitable unless a waiver is granted.
Question 6: During the MEPS neurological screening, which finding would most concern the examining physician?
- Normal reflex responses
- A history of a single febrile seizure in childhood
- A current seizure disorder requiring anticonvulsant medication (Correct answer)
- Mild motion sickness history
Correct answer: A current seizure disorder requiring anticonvulsant medication
An active seizure disorder requiring ongoing medication is typically disqualifying because seizures in the field pose serious safety risks.
Question 7: Why does MEPS collect a urine sample from each applicant?
- To measure hydration levels only
- To screen for illegal drug use and detect certain medical conditions (Correct answer)
- To determine blood sugar levels exclusively
- To verify the applicant's age
Correct answer: To screen for illegal drug use and detect certain medical conditions
The urine sample at MEPS is used to screen for illicit drug use via urinalysis and to check for medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney issues.
MEPS Medical Examinations 3
Which category in the PULHES profile specifically evaluates hearing and ear health?