HESI Health Assessment Practice Test 2025 - Free Health Assessment Practice Questions and Study Guide

Swaying and the need to widen the base during a balance test are indicators of a positive Romberg sign. This test evaluates the ability to maintain balance when standing still, particularly with the eyes closed. When a person exhibits swaying or feels the need to shift their stance to maintain stability, it typically suggests proprioceptive dysfunction or neurologic issues affecting balance.

The Romberg test specifically assesses the integrity of the dorsal columns of the spinal cord, which are responsible for proprioception. Individuals who have a positive Romberg sign may struggle to maintain balance due to impaired sensory input, which can be caused by conditions affecting the nervous system or proprioceptive pathways. Thus, the observation of swaying and a wider base during this test aligns directly with a positive Romberg sign.

Understanding this principle is crucial in health assessments, as it can lead to identifying underlying neurological conditions that may require further evaluation or intervention.