National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) DOT Practice Exam

Which of the following is true of the Romberg sign?

1. It is a test of proprioception.

2. A positive test indicates an inability to maintain posture with eyes closed for 60 seconds.

3. BOTH of the above are correct.

4. NEITHER of the above are correct.

The correct answer is: BOTH of the above are correct.

The Romberg sign is a clinical test used primarily to assess an individual's proprioception and balance. Proprioception refers to the body's ability to perceive its own position in space, which is crucial for maintaining posture and coordinating movements. When performing the Romberg test, the individual is asked to stand still with their feet together, arms at their sides, and then close their eyes. A positive Romberg sign indicates that the person is unable to maintain balance and sways or stumbles when their visual input is removed, typically assessed for about 60 seconds. This inability to maintain posture when vision is taken away reflects deficits in the proprioceptive pathways. Thus, both statements about the Romberg sign—its role as a test of proprioception and the significance of a positive test indicating an inability to maintain posture for a designated period—are indeed correct. This comprehensive understanding is essential for assessing neurological function, particularly in situations where proprioceptive deficits are suspected.