What abnormal result would indicate strabismus during a cover test?

In the context of a cover test, an abnormal result indicating strabismus would be if the non-covered eye shifts when the other eye is covered. This shifting indicates that the eye was not aligned properly when both eyes were open, as the brain typically compensates for misalignment by suppressing vision in one eye.

When you cover one eye, if the non-covered eye moves to regain proper alignment, it suggests the presence of strabismus. The eye's movement in this scenario is a direct response to the occlusion, revealing that the two eyes were not working together as they should. In a healthy visual system, both eyes should maintain alignment regardless of which eye is covered.

The other options do not accurately represent the findings specific to strabismus during the cover test. The lack of fixation or perfect alignment of both eyes would not directly demonstrate the dynamic response to covering one eye, which is pivotal in identifying whether strabismus is present.