Police Sergeant Practice Exam

Which of the following is an indicator of intoxication during a sobriety test?

1. Slurred speech

2. Pupil dilation

3. Romberg sign

4. Weak pulse

The correct answer is: Romberg sign

The Romberg sign is a specific test that can indicate intoxication, particularly with certain substances like alcohol. During the Romberg test, an individual is asked to stand with their feet together and to close their eyes. A failure to maintain balance during this test can suggest neurological impairment, which can be indicative of intoxication. In this context, balance issues are often associated with impaired motor coordination and cognitive function commonly seen in individuals under the influence. This makes the Romberg sign a relevant indicator when assessing a person's sobriety. Slurred speech, while frequently associated with intoxication, is more of a symptom that can manifest due to various other conditions and does not exclusively pertain to intoxication during a sobriety test. Pupil dilation can indicate a range of medical and psychological conditions, including anxiety or the use of various drugs, and is not a definitive indicator of intoxication in a sobriety assessment. A weak pulse may suggest other health issues but does not specifically correlate with intoxication. Therefore, the accuracy of the Romberg sign as an intoxication indicator lies in its direct assessment of balance and coordination, which are often impaired by substance use.