MEPS Medical Examinations 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the significance of the 'S' category in the PULHES profile?
- Strength and physical endurance rating
- Psychiatric and mental health evaluation (Correct answer)
- Skin and dermatological conditions
- Spinal curvature measurement
Correct answer: Psychiatric and mental health evaluation
The 'S' in PULHES stands for Psychiatric, reflecting the mental health evaluation component of the overall physical profile.
Question 2: Which lower extremity finding would most likely be flagged during the MEPS orthopedic examination?
- A healed ankle sprain from two years ago
- Pes planus (flat feet) causing chronic pain and gait abnormality (Correct answer)
- Mild knee soreness after running
- A small scar on the knee from a childhood fall
Correct answer: Pes planus (flat feet) causing chronic pain and gait abnormality
Symptomatic flat feet causing chronic pain and gait abnormality can be disqualifying because they may impair performance of required military duties.
Question 3: During the MEPS abdominal examination, which finding would be most concerning to the examining physician?
- A small, easily reducible umbilical hernia
- A large inguinal hernia not yet surgically repaired (Correct answer)
- A well-healed appendectomy scar
- Mild bloating reported by the applicant
Correct answer: A large inguinal hernia not yet surgically repaired
A large unreduced inguinal hernia is disqualifying because it poses a risk of strangulation under physical exertion typical in military service.
Question 4: What is the purpose of the MEPS HIV test administered during the blood draw?
- To determine eligibility for overseas deployment only
- To screen all applicants as a mandatory military enlistment standard (Correct answer)
- To satisfy a civilian insurance requirement
- To identify applicants for medical research studies
Correct answer: To screen all applicants as a mandatory military enlistment standard
HIV testing is mandatory at MEPS for all applicants as part of the DoD medical standards, and a positive result is disqualifying for military service.
Question 5: A recruit arrives at MEPS with a documented history of knee surgery two years ago and full recovery. What is the most likely outcome?
- Automatic disqualification regardless of recovery
- Review of surgical records and functional assessment; may qualify with or without waiver (Correct answer)
- The recruit must repeat the surgery before being considered
- Immediate assignment to a limited-duty MOS without examination
Correct answer: Review of surgical records and functional assessment; may qualify with or without waiver
Prior knee surgery requires documentation of the procedure and recovery; full functional recovery often allows qualification, especially with supporting medical records.
Question 6: Which respiratory condition at MEPS would most likely require a medical waiver for enlistment consideration?
- Mild seasonal allergic rhinitis
- A single childhood episode of bronchitis
- Moderate persistent asthma currently requiring daily inhaler use (Correct answer)
- A resolved pneumonia from three years ago
Correct answer: Moderate persistent asthma currently requiring daily inhaler use
Moderate persistent asthma requiring daily controller medication is a disqualifying condition that may be considered for waiver depending on severity and branch requirements.
Question 7: How does MEPS handle an applicant who is temporarily unable to complete the full medical examination due to an acute illness on the day of the appointment?
- The applicant is permanently disqualified for failure to complete the exam
- The examination is deferred and rescheduled once the applicant recovers (Correct answer)
- The applicant is enlisted provisionally pending a follow-up exam
- The acute illness is noted but the exam proceeds regardless
Correct answer: The examination is deferred and rescheduled once the applicant recovers
An acute illness on exam day results in a temporary deferral, and MEPS reschedules the examination once the applicant is healthy enough to complete it.
MEPS Medical Examinations 5
What is the significance of the 'S' category in the PULHES profile?