NRCME Physical Examination Procedures and Forms 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum acceptable distant visual acuity in each eye (corrected or uncorrected) for a commercial driver under FMCSA standards?
- 20/40 (Correct answer)
- 20/50
- 20/60
- 20/100
Correct answer: 20/40
FMCSA requires distant visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye (with or without corrective lenses) for commercial driver qualification.
Question 2: A CME is conducting a DOT physical for an interstate commercial driver. Which record retention requirement applies to the completed MCSA-5875?
- 1 year
- 2 years
- 3 years (Correct answer)
- 5 years
Correct answer: 3 years
Medical examiners must retain completed MCSA-5875 examination reports for a minimum of three years from the date of examination.
Question 3: Under FMCSA regulations, which of the following must a driver provide to the CME before the physical examination begins?
- A completed medical history form (Correct answer)
- A copy of their CDL
- Employer authorization letter
- Insurance card
Correct answer: A completed medical history form
The driver must complete and submit a medical history form (part of MCSA-5875) prior to the physical examination so the CME can review relevant health history.
Question 4: When performing the DOT physical examination, which component is used to assess the driver's abdominal organs and hernia status?
- Auscultation only
- Palpation and visual inspection (Correct answer)
- Percussion only
- Reflex testing
Correct answer: Palpation and visual inspection
Palpation and visual inspection of the abdomen are used to assess organ size, tenderness, and the presence of hernias during the DOT physical.
Question 5: A driver presents with a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate but the issuing CME is no longer on the National Registry. What is the status of that certificate?
- It remains valid until the expiration date
- It is immediately invalid (Correct answer)
- It is valid for 60 more days
- It requires state re-validation
Correct answer: It is immediately invalid
If the CME who issued the certificate is removed from the National Registry, the certificate is immediately invalid regardless of its stated expiration date.
Question 6: Which of the following examination findings would require the CME to defer certification pending specialist evaluation?
- Heart rate of 72 bpm
- Irregular cardiac rhythm on auscultation (Correct answer)
- Blood pressure of 130/85 mmHg
- BMI of 28
Correct answer: Irregular cardiac rhythm on auscultation
An irregular cardiac rhythm detected on auscultation requires specialist evaluation before the CME can make a certification determination.
NRCME Physical Examination Procedures and Forms 2
What is the minimum acceptable distant visual acuity in each eye (corrected or uncorrected) for a commercial driver under FMCSA standards?