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

A driver with a blood pressure of 146/88 mm Hg should receive what certification duration?

1. 2 years

2. 1 year

3. 6 months

4. Defer and refer for treatment

The correct answer is: 1 year

A driver presenting with a blood pressure of 146/88 mm Hg falls into a range that typically necessitates closer monitoring. Under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines, drivers with blood pressure readings that are elevated but not excessively high may still qualify for a certification period of one year, particularly if there are no other disqualifying conditions present. In this particular scenario, a blood pressure reading of 146/88 indicates Stage 1 hypertension. While this does imply the need for lifestyle modifications or potential medical intervention, such a reading does not automatically disqualify the driver. Therefore, granting a one-year certification allows for assessment and monitoring of the driver’s health, while still adhering to safety regulations. Longer certification periods, such as two years, are typically reserved for drivers with stable blood pressure under 140/90 mm Hg or those who are well-controlled on antihypertensive medication. A shorter certification of six months might apply if there were additional risk factors or if the driver had recently started treatment, which warrants more frequent follow-ups. A deferment and referral for treatment would be more fitting for significantly higher blood pressure readings or other serious health concerns that require immediate attention. This careful balance ensures that drivers are both fit for