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

What should the examiner do if a driver without a history of hypertension has a blood pressure of 145/80 mm Hg?

1. Qualify the driver for 1 year.

2. Obtain a second blood pressure reading later during examination.

3. Qualify the driver for a one-time 3-month certificate.

4. Put the driver in Determination Pending.

The correct answer is: Obtain a second blood pressure reading later during examination.

In this scenario, the examiner should obtain a second blood pressure reading later during the examination. This approach is essential because a single elevated blood pressure reading does not confirm hypertension; it could be influenced by factors like anxiety or stress. It is important for the examiner to gather more data to ensure an accurate assessment of the driver's blood pressure. Taking a second reading allows the examiner to determine whether the initial reading was an anomaly or if it indicates a consistent pattern of elevated blood pressure. According to guidelines for DOT medical examinations, drivers must have their blood pressure accurately assessed to ensure safety on the road. If the second reading indicates that the blood pressure is consistently elevated, further evaluations or a treatment plan may be necessary to determine the driver's fitness for duty. This careful and methodical approach emphasizes the importance of accurate health assessments in the context of commercial driving.