Using Word 365

I am building a checklist form for our technicians to use in the field. In one case the tech needs to select from a list, issue, non-issue, n/a. then if they select "issue" they will then need to add comments in a cell in the adjoining column on the same row, a comment telling what the issue is. I would like the comments cell to turn red if "issue" is selected to highlight there is an issue.

Is this possible in Word? I know it is in Excel but when you cell merge in Excel text wont autofit.

Thanks