Question

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

a) Observe the client's ability to touch their nose with eyes closed.
b) Assess the client's muscle strength by asking them to push against resistance.
c) Check the client's pupillary response to light.
d) Examine the client's joint flexibility through range of motion exercises.

Answer 1

The correct technique for a Romberg test, which assesses proprioception, involves the patient standing with feet together and eyes closed to evaluate balance and proprioceptive function.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse is performing a Romberg test during a physical assessment, the correct technique involves asking the patient to stand straight with feet together, achieve balance, and then close their eyes. This assesses the patient's proprioceptive abilities without visual input, testing for deficits in proprioception related to the dorsal column pathway and the spinocerebellar tract. Therefore, the correct technique outlined in the question options is not present, as the Romberg test specifically involves balance with eyes closed, and not any of the other assessments mentioned such as touching the nose, pushing against resistance, checking pupillary responses, or examining joint flexibility through range of motion exercises.