NRCME Cardiovascular Qualification Standards 3

Question 1

Under FMCSA regulations, which blood pressure stage at DOT examination results in disqualification until treatment brings it to acceptable levels?

Accepted Answer

Stage 3: 180/110 mmHg or greater

Answer

Stage 3 hypertension (≥180/110 mmHg) at the time of examination is disqualifying until blood pressure is treated and controlled to an acceptable level.

Question 2

A driver with stable angina managed with nitroglycerin as needed is seeking a DOT medical certificate. The NRCME examiner should:

Accepted Answer

Refer for exercise stress testing and cardiology evaluation before certifying

Answer

Angina suggests myocardial ischemia, which carries risk of sudden cardiac events; stress testing and cardiology evaluation are needed to assess actual risk before certification.

Question 3

When evaluating a driver who had a myocardial infarction (MI), the NRCME examiner must consider which key functional assessment?

Accepted Answer

Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) post-recovery

Answer

LVEF is a primary determinant of post-MI cardiac function and risk stratification; FMCSA advisory criteria reference adequate cardiac reserve for certification.

Question 4

A driver presents with a blood pressure of 162/104 mmHg at the DOT examination. Per FMCSA advisory criteria, the medical examiner should:

Accepted Answer

Disqualify until blood pressure is treated and rechecked

Answer

Stage 2 hypertension (160-179/100-109 mmHg) requires the driver to be treated and rechecked before a certification period is issued.

Question 5

Under NRCME/FMCSA guidelines, which cardiac arrhythmia is most likely to result in automatic disqualification without an exemption?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular fibrillation with implanted ICD and recent appropriate shock

Answer

An ICD with recent appropriate shock indicates ongoing life-threatening arrhythmia risk and is generally disqualifying under FMCSA standards for CMV drivers.

NRCME - National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners Practice Test

NRCME - National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners Practice Test

NRCME Cardiovascular Qualification Standards 3