NRCME - National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners Respiratory Health and Sleep Apnea Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 52-year-old CMV driver is referred for a sleep study due to a BMI of 38, a neck circumference of 18 inches, and reports of daytime sleepiness.
The polysomnography reveals an Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) of 28 events per hour.
According to FMCSA guidance and common sleep medicine classifications, how is this driver's condition categorized?

Accepted Answer

Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Answer

Normal, no treatment required

Answer

Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Answer

Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Question 2

A CMV driver with a known diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) presents for recertification. To be considered compliant with CPAP therapy, what is the minimum usage the driver must demonstrate from their device's data?

Accepted Answer

At least 4 hours per night, on 70% of nights

Answer

At least 6 hours per night, on 90% of nights

Answer

At least 5 hours per night, on 80% of nights

Answer

At least 3 hours per night, on 50% of nights

Question 3

A 45-year-old driver is newly diagnosed with severe OSA (AHI > 30) and begins CPAP treatment. He is eager to return to work. After demonstrating effective treatment and resolution of sleepiness, what is the earliest a medical examiner can typically issue an initial conditional certification?

Accepted Answer

After 1 week of compliant use

Answer

After 1 day of compliant use

Answer

After 30 days of compliant use

Answer

After 90 days of compliant use

Question 4

A driver with treated Obstructive Sleep Apnea provides a 365-day CPAP compliance report showing adequate use and reports no daytime sleepiness. The driver's underlying condition is stable. What is the maximum certification period for this driver?

Accepted Answer

1 year

Answer

3 months

Answer

6 months

Answer

2 years

Question 5

During a certification exam, a medical examiner notes that a driver requires the use of portable supplemental oxygen for a chronic respiratory condition. Which of the following is the most appropriate determination regarding this driver?

Accepted Answer

Disqualify the driver

Answer

Certify for 1 year with a pulmonologist's clearance

Answer

Certify for 2 years as long as oxygen saturation is normal

Answer

Issue a 3-month temporary certificate pending further evaluation

Question 6

Which of the following physical examination findings is most likely to prompt a medical examiner to refer a CMV driver for a sleep apnea evaluation, even if the driver denies symptoms?

Accepted Answer

A neck circumference of 18 inches in a male

Answer

A blood pressure of 135/85 mmHg

Answer

A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 28 kg/m²

Answer

A history of well-controlled seasonal allergies