What indicates a potential impairment during the Walk and Turn test?

The indication of potential impairment during the Walk and Turn test primarily focuses on an individual's ability to maintain balance while performing the task. When a person fails to maintain their balance, this can be a strong indicator of impairment, as it suggests difficulty coordinating physical movements, which is a common effect of alcohol or drug influence.

In the context of this test, maintaining balance is critical as the individual is required to walk a straight line, heel to toe, and then turn to walk back in the opposite direction. If a subject cannot balance properly, it raises concerns about their overall motor control and cognitive functions, which are both likely to be influenced by intoxication.

While the other options may also relate to performance on the test, they do not directly indicate the most immediate physical impairment as balance does. Counting the steps incorrectly or turning too quickly may suggest issues with attention or following instructions, and closing one's eyes during the walk would typically not be part of the standardized procedure, which makes balance a key indicator for impairment.