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

How long would a driver be certified if he is taking Micardis HCT and has a blood pressure of 148/96 mm Hg?

1. 3 months

2. 6 months

3. 1 year

4. 2 years

The correct answer is: 3 months

The situation described involves a driver taking Micardis HCT, a medication for hypertension, with a recorded blood pressure of 148/96 mm Hg. When evaluating blood pressure readings in the context of DOT medical examinations, it is important to consider guidelines that dictate the duration of certification based on the severity of the blood pressure readings. A blood pressure reading of 148/96 mm Hg falls within the range considered as stage 2 hypertension. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines, individuals with stage 2 hypertension may only be certified for a limited period, typically up to three months, pending further evaluation and management of their condition. This is a precautionary measure to ensure that the driver’s hypertension is adequately controlled and that they do not pose a higher risk for health complications while operating a commercial vehicle. Following this reasoning, a certification for three months is appropriate for this driver, providing an opportunity for monitoring and potential adjustment of treatment, with a focus on achieving better blood pressure control before any longer-term certification can be considered.