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

In the scenario presented, a driver taking Micardis HCT with a blood pressure reading of 148/96 mm Hg typically falls into a category that requires closer monitoring and may not meet the standard guidelines for longer certification periods.

Under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines, a driver with blood pressure readings in this range would generally be classified as having Stage 1 hypertension. This classification prompts the need for regular follow-up evaluations to ensure that the condition is managed effectively.

Therefore, a certification period of 3 months is appropriate as it allows both the driver and their medical examiner to reassess the condition and verify improvements in blood pressure readings. This shorter certification duration emphasizes the importance of ongoing evaluation of the driver's health and the potential need to adjust treatment or lifestyle changes to manage hypertension.

In contrast, options implying longer certification periods, such as 6 months, 1 year, or 2 years, do not align with the need for frequent monitoring in the case of adverse blood pressure readings.