NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) Comprehensive Practice
Exam: All Test Groups (65 Questions & Answers
Guide)
________________________________________________
**Question 1**
The NIH Stroke Scale assesses which of the following?
a. Cardiac function during a stroke
b. Severity of neurological deficits in a stroke patient
c. Risk of developing a future stroke
d. Eligibility for surgical intervention only
☑ b. Severity of neurological deficits in a stroke patient
________________________________________________
**Question 2**
The total possible score on the NIHSS ranges from:
,a. 0-21
b. 0-42
c. 1-30
d. 0-50
☑ b. 0-42
________________________________________________
**Question 3**
A score of 0 on the NIHSS indicates:
a. The patient is deceased
b. No neurological deficit detected
c. Minimal stroke symptoms
d. The test was not completed
☑ b. No neurological deficit detected
________________________________________________
**Question 4**
How many total items are assessed on the NIHSS?
a. 10
,b. 11
c. 15
d. 20
☑ c. 15
________________________________________________
**Question 5**
Which of the following is assessed in Item 1a (Level of Consciousness)?
a. The patient's orientation to time and place
b. The patient's overall alertness
c. The patient's ability to follow commands
d. The patient's verbal fluency
☑ b. The patient's overall alertness
________________________________________________
**Question 6**
For Item 1a, a patient who requires repeated stimulation to attend or is obtunded
receives a score of:
a. 0
, b. 1
c. 2
d. 3
☑ b. 1
________________________________________________
**Question 7**
For Item 1a, a patient who is completely unresponsive with only reflexive movements
receives a score of:
a. 0
b. 1
c. 2
d. 3
☑ d. 3
________________________________________________
**Question 8**
Item 1b (LOC Questions) asks the patient which two questions?
a. Their name and date of birth
Exam: All Test Groups (65 Questions & Answers
Guide)
________________________________________________
**Question 1**
The NIH Stroke Scale assesses which of the following?
a. Cardiac function during a stroke
b. Severity of neurological deficits in a stroke patient
c. Risk of developing a future stroke
d. Eligibility for surgical intervention only
☑ b. Severity of neurological deficits in a stroke patient
________________________________________________
**Question 2**
The total possible score on the NIHSS ranges from:
,a. 0-21
b. 0-42
c. 1-30
d. 0-50
☑ b. 0-42
________________________________________________
**Question 3**
A score of 0 on the NIHSS indicates:
a. The patient is deceased
b. No neurological deficit detected
c. Minimal stroke symptoms
d. The test was not completed
☑ b. No neurological deficit detected
________________________________________________
**Question 4**
How many total items are assessed on the NIHSS?
a. 10
,b. 11
c. 15
d. 20
☑ c. 15
________________________________________________
**Question 5**
Which of the following is assessed in Item 1a (Level of Consciousness)?
a. The patient's orientation to time and place
b. The patient's overall alertness
c. The patient's ability to follow commands
d. The patient's verbal fluency
☑ b. The patient's overall alertness
________________________________________________
**Question 6**
For Item 1a, a patient who requires repeated stimulation to attend or is obtunded
receives a score of:
a. 0
, b. 1
c. 2
d. 3
☑ b. 1
________________________________________________
**Question 7**
For Item 1a, a patient who is completely unresponsive with only reflexive movements
receives a score of:
a. 0
b. 1
c. 2
d. 3
☑ d. 3
________________________________________________
**Question 8**
Item 1b (LOC Questions) asks the patient which two questions?
a. Their name and date of birth
