National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) DOT Practice Exam

What is the minimum waiting period following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting surgery?

1. One month

2. Two months

3. Three months

4. Dependent on the type of CABG performed and the number of vessels involved

The correct answer is: Three months

The minimum waiting period following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) surgery is three months. This time frame is established to ensure adequate healing and recovery of the cardiovascular system before a commercial driver can safely resume driving a commercial vehicle. The three-month waiting period allows for proper recovery from the surgery and helps assess the individual's cardiac function, ensuring that they can handle the demands of operating a commercial vehicle without undue risk to their health or the safety of others on the road. While there may be clinical nuances depending on the individual’s health status, the standard guidance sets a three-month interval as a general rule for returning to driving after CABG. Other options, such as one or two months, do not provide sufficient time for recovery from such a major surgical procedure, and the choice that makes the waiting period dependent on specifics, like the type of CABG and vessels involved, could lead to inconsistencies in assessment and could compromise safety.