NRCME EXAM QUESTIONS WITH THE
LATEST SCORE.
Vision requirements --Answer-- 20/40 each eye and 20/40 both eyes
Peripheral vision --Answer-- 70 degrees
Federal exemption for monocular vision: can certify for how long? --Answer--
1 year
Hearing requirements --Answer-- whisper at not less than 5 feet better ear,
or average hearing loss no greater than 40 db at 500Hz, 1000Hz, 2000 Hz.
Name 4 otic conditions that are automatic dqs --Answer-- Meniere's,
uncontrolled vertigo, labyrinthine fistula, nonfunctioning labyrinth
Max cert period for Syncope --Answer-- 1 year (needs neurologist clearance)
Post MI drivers can be certified for 1 year with all 5 of these criteria: (almost
the same criteria for post CABG) (first 4 also apply for CHF drivers) --Answer--
1. Asymptomatic
2. Tolerating meds
3. Satisfactory ETT with workload capacity of 6 mets (has to have this
biennially)
4. LVEF >=40%
5. No ST depression on ECG - for post CABG this one is replaced by
completely healed sternal incision
Stable angina: max cert period --Answer-- 1 year
Minimum waiting period post CABG --Answer-- 3 months
Min waiting period for post heart transplant --Answer-- 1 year
Max cert period for post heart transplant --Answer-- 6 months
, Min waiting period post PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) --Answer--
1 week
Min waiting period for pacemaker implantation for sinus node dysfunction --
Answer-- 1 month
Min waiting period for pacemaker implantation for neurocardiogenic syncope
or hypersensitive carotid sinus with syncope --Answer-- 3 months
Min waiting period post AAA repair --Answer-- 3 months
Max cert period for being on anticoagulation for a CV condition --Answer-- 1
year
3 criteria for certification if patient on anticoagulation for a CV condition --
Answer-- 1. Stable on meds for 1 month
2. Provide copy of INR at exam
3. Have INR checked and monitored at least monthly
True or false: driver on anticoagulation for CVA can be certified for max 1
year --Answer-- False. Should not be certified due to high risk of bleeding
5 reasons to DQ a driver with AAA --Answer-- 1. Symptomatic
2. AAA >5cm
3. AAA 4-5 cm and does not have clearance from a cardiologist
4. AAA increased in size 0.5cm in 6 months
5. Surgical repair was recommended but not done
Max size of a thoracic aneurysm that can be certified --Answer-- 3.5 cm
Min waiting period for PE --Answer-- 3 months
True or false: having an ICD is automatic DQ --Answer-- true
True or false: dx of severe aortic stenosis is automatic DQ --Answer-- true
Max certification post aortic valve repair --Answer-- 1 year
Do not certify for moderate aortic stenosis if they have 1 of these 5 things --
Answer-- angina, CHF, A fib, LVEF <50%, thromboembolic disease
LATEST SCORE.
Vision requirements --Answer-- 20/40 each eye and 20/40 both eyes
Peripheral vision --Answer-- 70 degrees
Federal exemption for monocular vision: can certify for how long? --Answer--
1 year
Hearing requirements --Answer-- whisper at not less than 5 feet better ear,
or average hearing loss no greater than 40 db at 500Hz, 1000Hz, 2000 Hz.
Name 4 otic conditions that are automatic dqs --Answer-- Meniere's,
uncontrolled vertigo, labyrinthine fistula, nonfunctioning labyrinth
Max cert period for Syncope --Answer-- 1 year (needs neurologist clearance)
Post MI drivers can be certified for 1 year with all 5 of these criteria: (almost
the same criteria for post CABG) (first 4 also apply for CHF drivers) --Answer--
1. Asymptomatic
2. Tolerating meds
3. Satisfactory ETT with workload capacity of 6 mets (has to have this
biennially)
4. LVEF >=40%
5. No ST depression on ECG - for post CABG this one is replaced by
completely healed sternal incision
Stable angina: max cert period --Answer-- 1 year
Minimum waiting period post CABG --Answer-- 3 months
Min waiting period for post heart transplant --Answer-- 1 year
Max cert period for post heart transplant --Answer-- 6 months
, Min waiting period post PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) --Answer--
1 week
Min waiting period for pacemaker implantation for sinus node dysfunction --
Answer-- 1 month
Min waiting period for pacemaker implantation for neurocardiogenic syncope
or hypersensitive carotid sinus with syncope --Answer-- 3 months
Min waiting period post AAA repair --Answer-- 3 months
Max cert period for being on anticoagulation for a CV condition --Answer-- 1
year
3 criteria for certification if patient on anticoagulation for a CV condition --
Answer-- 1. Stable on meds for 1 month
2. Provide copy of INR at exam
3. Have INR checked and monitored at least monthly
True or false: driver on anticoagulation for CVA can be certified for max 1
year --Answer-- False. Should not be certified due to high risk of bleeding
5 reasons to DQ a driver with AAA --Answer-- 1. Symptomatic
2. AAA >5cm
3. AAA 4-5 cm and does not have clearance from a cardiologist
4. AAA increased in size 0.5cm in 6 months
5. Surgical repair was recommended but not done
Max size of a thoracic aneurysm that can be certified --Answer-- 3.5 cm
Min waiting period for PE --Answer-- 3 months
True or false: having an ICD is automatic DQ --Answer-- true
True or false: dx of severe aortic stenosis is automatic DQ --Answer-- true
Max certification post aortic valve repair --Answer-- 1 year
Do not certify for moderate aortic stenosis if they have 1 of these 5 things --
Answer-- angina, CHF, A fib, LVEF <50%, thromboembolic disease
