MODULE 4 RESPIRATORY

Question 1

Disqualifying Respiratory Conditions

Answer 1

• Hypoxemia At Rest
• Chronic Resp Failure
• Hx of cough related syncope
• Unstable condition or treatment regimen
• Unmet Spirometry Parameters

Question 2

Antihistamines Rules

Answer 2

Generally, should abstain from any meds that may cause sedation for at least 12 hours prior to vehicle operation

Question 3

Narcotic Antitussive Therapy

Answer 3

Abstain from use for at least 12 hours prior

Question 4

When Would Allergic Rhinitis Be Disqualifying?

Answer 4

Uncontrolled Sneezing, any sort of visual impairment, meds that sedate, severe headaches

Question 5

Asthma DQ Recs

Answer 5

Uncontrolled Continuous Symptomatic Asthma

FEV1 < 65%

PaO2 < 65mm Hg (sig hypoxemia)

Question 6

Atypical Tuberculosis DQ Recs

Answer 6

DQ, IF … any associated sxs of weakness, fatigue, pulmonary dysfunction, or adverse reactions to treatments

Question 7

Pneumothorax DQ Recs

Answer 7

Max Cert 2 years

Should obtain XR’s to ensure complete recovery (no air in the pleural space or mediastinum)

DQ if symptomatic, or 2+ spontaneous pneumo’s on one side WITHOUT any surgical procedures to prevent recurrence

Question 8

Are Chest wall deformities, Cystic Fibrosis, or Interstitial Lung Disease automatic DQ?

Answer 8

No, as long as they meet normal pulmonary standards.

Question 9

If a driver with Hx of Pneumothorax has had successful pleurodesis and meets acceptable pulmonary parameters, can they be qualified?

Answer 9

You Bet!

Question 10

When is Spirometry/PFTs indicated?

Answer 10

Hx of any specific lung disease, respiratory sxs, smoking Hx in drivers 35+ yo

Question 11

Parameters Warranting Arterial Blood Gas?

Answer 11

Oximetry 92% or less

FEV1 < 65%

FEV1/FVC Ratio < 65%

FVC < 60%

Question 12

ABG Parameters Meeting DQ

Answer 12

PaO2 < 65 mm Hg @ below 5,000 Ft

PaO2 < 60 mm Hg @ above 5,000 Ft

PaCO2 > 45 mm Hg @ Any Altitude

Question 13

Can a Driver on Oxygen Be Qualified ?

Answer 13

In General - they should NOT be qualified

ONE Except MIGHT be if they are using supplemental Oxygen at night for OSA

No Absolute Guidance.

Question 14

Is there any specific Recs from FMCSA on OSA?

Answer 14

No. But if they have narcolepsy DQ that crap

Question 15

Cor Pulmonale Recs

Answer 15

Driver must have minimum ABG of > 65 mm Hg and don’t have sxs of SOB at rest, dizziness, hypotension.