NRCME - National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners Cardiovascular Qualification Standards Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 58-year-old CMV driver presents for a recertification exam.
He has a history of a myocardial infarction (MI) two years ago.
Which of the following is required for him to be medically qualified to drive?

Accepted Answer

A normal exercise tolerance test (ETT) performed within the last two years.

Answer

An annual ETT since the myocardial infarction.

Answer

A signed letter from his primary care physician clearing him to drive.

Answer

A minimum waiting period of six months post-MI before recertification.

Question 2

Which of the following cardiovascular conditions is an absolute disqualification for a commercial motor vehicle driver?

Accepted Answer

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD).

Answer

A history of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Answer

Stable angina pectoris.

Answer

Permanent pacemaker implantation.

Question 3

A CMV driver is found to have a blood pressure of 165/102 mmHg during their certification exam. According to FMCSA guidelines for Stage 2 hypertension, what is the maximum certification period the medical examiner can grant?

Accepted Answer

A one-time certification for three months.

Answer

One year, if the driver agrees to start treatment.

Answer

Six months, with a follow-up required.

Answer

Two years, as long as there is no target organ damage.

Question 4

A 45-year-old driver reports a new diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The driver is asymptomatic and provides a letter from their cardiologist. Which of the following findings would allow the medical examiner to consider certification?

Accepted Answer

No history of sustained ventricular tachycardia.

Answer

A family history of sudden death in a first-degree relative.

Answer

Left ventricular septum thickness of 32 mm.

Answer

A history of syncope.

Question 5

What is the mandatory waiting period for a CMV driver to be considered for certification after undergoing a Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), such as angioplasty with stenting, for stable angina?

Accepted Answer

One week

Answer

Three months

Answer

Six months

Answer

One year

Question 6

A CMV driver with a pacemaker implanted for atrioventricular (AV) block is seeking recertification. What is the maximum certification period for this driver, assuming their underlying condition is stable and they have cardiologist clearance?

Accepted Answer

Two years

Answer

Six months

Answer

Three years

Answer

One year