NRCME - National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners Hypertension Guidelines Questions and Answers

Question 1

A commercial driver presents for a recertification exam.
His blood pressure is measured at 164/102 mmHg.
He has a history of Stage 1 hypertension and has been on medication for the past year.
According to FMCSA guidelines, what is the most appropriate action for the medical examiner to take?

Accepted Answer

Issue a one-time 3-month certificate and advise him to follow up with his primary care provider.

Answer

Disqualify the driver until his blood pressure is below 140/90 mmHg.

Answer

Issue a 1-year certificate as he is already on medication.

Answer

Certify the driver for 6 months with a recommendation for lifestyle changes.

Question 2

A 52-year-old driver is found to have a blood pressure of 182/114 mmHg during his initial DOT physical exam. Which of the following is the correct determination?

Accepted Answer

Disqualify the driver.

Answer

Certify for 3 months with required treatment.

Answer

Certify for 1 year, as long as he starts medication.

Answer

Issue a 6-month certificate.

Question 3

A driver was disqualified for Stage 3 hypertension. He returns to your office two months later, and his blood pressure is now 138/88 mmHg with treatment. What is the maximum certification period for which this driver is now eligible?

Accepted Answer

6 months

Answer

3 months

Answer

1 year

Answer

2 years

Question 4

A new applicant for a commercial driver's license has a blood pressure of 148/94 mmHg on their first examination. The driver is not on any antihypertensive medication. What is the appropriate certification period?

Accepted Answer

1 year

Answer

2 years

Answer

6 months

Answer

3 months, one-time

Question 5

Which of the following blood pressure readings allows for a 2-year medical certification, assuming the driver has no other disqualifying conditions and is not on any antihypertensive medication?

Accepted Answer

136/84 mmHg

Answer

142/88 mmHg

Answer

138/92 mmHg

Answer

140/90 mmHg

Question 6

A driver with a history of treated hypertension presents for his annual recertification. His blood pressure is 152/96 mmHg. He was previously certified for one year. What is the appropriate next step for the medical examiner?

Accepted Answer

Issue a one-time, 3-month certificate to allow for adjustment of his treatment.

Answer

Certify for another year, as his BP is only in Stage 1.

Answer

Disqualify him immediately.

Answer

Issue a 6-month certificate.