Final answer:
A likely symptom of a phonological working memory problem is difficulty with tasks that involve auditory information processing, such as repeating numbers or letters, which can be especially challenging for individuals with dyslexia.
Step-by-step explanation:
A symptom of a problem with phonological working memory could be difficulties with tasks that require the storage and manipulation of phonological information, such as repeating strings of numbers or reciting the alphabet backwards. This might be observed in individuals with dyslexia, who often demonstrate challenges with sound-letter correspondence and may experience symptoms such as letter reversals, omissions of words while reading, and problems with spelling.
A person with a deficit in phonological working memory might struggle on mental status exam subtests requiring repetition of numbers. This difficulty is likely associated with their working memory impairment, which affects the temporary storage and processing of auditory information. Phonetic disorders like dyslexia might manifest during the administration of subtests where the patient's inability to repeat or process verbal sequences indicates a potential dysfunction in phonological processing.