Question

A nurse is performing a Romberg test during the physical assessment of a client. Which of the following techniques should the nurse use?

1) Observing the client's gait
2) Testing the client's deep tendon reflexes
3) Assessing the client's cranial nerves
4) Checking the client's blood pressure

Answer 1

The nurse should use the Romberg test to assess the client's sensory functions. This test evaluates the client's ability to maintain balance without visual feedback by relying on proprioceptive stimuli and inner ear information.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should use the Romberg test to assess the client's sensory functions. In this test, the client is asked to stand straight with their feet together, and then close their eyes. They must rely on proprioceptive stimuli and inner ear information to maintain balance. If the client has any deficits in proprioception or problems with proprioceptive projections, it may indicate impairments in the dorsal column pathway proprioception or the spinocerebellar tract.