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

A driver with inconsistent hypertension medication and a blood pressure of 146/96 mm Hg should be:

1. Disqualified

2. Certified for 6 months

3. Given a 1-time certificate for 3 months

4. Certified for 1 year

The correct answer is: Given a 1-time certificate for 3 months

A driver who presents with a blood pressure reading of 146/96 mm Hg falls into the category of Stage 1 hypertension, which is a condition that requires careful management. Given the inconsistency in the driver's hypertension medication, certifying them for a longer duration, such as one year, would not be advisable as it may not reflect their actual health status. Providing a one-time certificate for three months allows for closer monitoring of the driver's condition and medication adherence. This short certification period encourages the driver to stabilize their blood pressure and engage in more consistent treatment before re-evaluation. During this time, the driver can work on improving their health management, such as making lifestyle changes or adhering to medication more closely, and it provides an opportunity for the medical examiner to reassess their situation and blood pressure control once the certificate expires. This approach ensures a balanced response to the driver's health needs and safety on the road while aligning with the regulations regarding hypertension and commercial driving. A six-month certification might be too long without evidence of improved medication management, while disqualification would not support the driver’s ability to improve their condition. Therefore, issuing a three-month certificate strikes a reasonable balance between safety and giving the driver a chance to manage their hypertension effectively.