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

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Study for the NRCME DOT Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations to ace your exam!

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What should an examiner do for a driver who is 6 weeks post-heart attack with an ETT showing 12 METS?

  1. Disqualify the driver.

  2. Qualify the driver for 1 year.

  3. Qualify the driver for 2 years.

  4. Consult with the cardiologist.

The correct answer is: Disqualify the driver.

In the scenario presented, a driver who is just 6 weeks post-heart attack generally should be approached with caution due to the potential risks associated with returning to driving soon after such a significant medical event. While the ETT (exercise tolerance test) results showing 12 METS indicates that the driver has a reasonable exercise capacity, it is crucial to consider the timeframe since the heart attack. Medical guidelines typically suggest that individuals who have experienced a heart attack need to demonstrate stability and a longer period of recovery before resuming high-responsibility tasks such as driving commercial vehicles. A shorter recovery period could mean there may still be risks of complications or further heart-related issues. Given these considerations, disqualifying the driver is a prudent action, as it emphasizes safety for both the driver and the public. This decision reflects a common standard in transportation safety practices, prioritizing the driver’s health and the safety of those on the road until further assessments can confirm their fitness to drive under commercial circumstances.