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The NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) Training –
Groups A to F (2025 Edition) is a
comprehensive educational and
assessment resource designed for
healthcare professionals involved in the
evaluation and management of acute
stroke patients. This practice set includ
QUESTION 1
What is the total possible score range for the NIH Stroke Scale
(NIHSS)?
A) 0–10
B) 0–42
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C) 0–50
D) 0–100
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The NIHSS has a total score range of 0 to 42. A score
of 0 indicates normal neurological function, while higher scores
indicate increasing stroke severity. The scale comprises 15 items,
each graded on a 3- to 5-point ordinal scale. Higher scores
indicate greater stroke severity. Scores can be stratified as: 1-4
= minor stroke, 5-15 = moderate stroke, 16-20 = moderate to
severe, 21-42 = severe.
QUESTION 2
How many items (categories) are assessed in the full NIH Stroke
Scale?
A) 5
B) 11
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C) 15
D) 20
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The NIHSS includes 15 distinct items: 1a: Level of
Consciousness (LOC), 1b: LOC Questions, 1c: LOC Commands, 2:
Best Gaze, 3: Visual Fields, 4: Facial Palsy, 5a: Motor Arm (Left),
5b: Motor Arm (Right), 6a: Motor Leg (Left), 6b: Motor Leg
(Right), 7: Limb Ataxia, 8: Sensory, 9: Best Language, 10:
Dysarthria, and 11: Extinction and Inattention (formerly Neglect).
QUESTION 3
Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the
NIH Stroke Scale?
A) To diagnose the type of stroke (ischemic vs. hemorrhagic)
B) To quantify neurological deficits and assess stroke severity in
a standardized manner
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C) To predict long-term functional outcome exclusively
D) To replace brain imaging in acute stroke evaluation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The NIHSS is a standardized neurological
examination tool designed to quantify the severity of
stroke-related deficits. It is used for initial assessment, monitoring
changes over time, guiding treatment decisions (such as
thrombolysis eligibility), and stratifying patients in clinical trials. It
does not diagnose stroke type, though higher scores correlate
with larger infarct volumes and poorer outcomes. The scale must
be administered by trained clinicians using strict scoring rules.
QUESTION 4
A patient scores 22 on the NIHSS, is drowsy, has right
hemiplegia, and global aphasia. Which statement is correct?
The NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) Training –
Groups A to F (2025 Edition) is a
comprehensive educational and
assessment resource designed for
healthcare professionals involved in the
evaluation and management of acute
stroke patients. This practice set includ
QUESTION 1
What is the total possible score range for the NIH Stroke Scale
(NIHSS)?
A) 0–10
B) 0–42
,Page 2 of 60
C) 0–50
D) 0–100
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The NIHSS has a total score range of 0 to 42. A score
of 0 indicates normal neurological function, while higher scores
indicate increasing stroke severity. The scale comprises 15 items,
each graded on a 3- to 5-point ordinal scale. Higher scores
indicate greater stroke severity. Scores can be stratified as: 1-4
= minor stroke, 5-15 = moderate stroke, 16-20 = moderate to
severe, 21-42 = severe.
QUESTION 2
How many items (categories) are assessed in the full NIH Stroke
Scale?
A) 5
B) 11
,Page 3 of 60
C) 15
D) 20
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The NIHSS includes 15 distinct items: 1a: Level of
Consciousness (LOC), 1b: LOC Questions, 1c: LOC Commands, 2:
Best Gaze, 3: Visual Fields, 4: Facial Palsy, 5a: Motor Arm (Left),
5b: Motor Arm (Right), 6a: Motor Leg (Left), 6b: Motor Leg
(Right), 7: Limb Ataxia, 8: Sensory, 9: Best Language, 10:
Dysarthria, and 11: Extinction and Inattention (formerly Neglect).
QUESTION 3
Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the
NIH Stroke Scale?
A) To diagnose the type of stroke (ischemic vs. hemorrhagic)
B) To quantify neurological deficits and assess stroke severity in
a standardized manner
, Page 4 of 60
C) To predict long-term functional outcome exclusively
D) To replace brain imaging in acute stroke evaluation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The NIHSS is a standardized neurological
examination tool designed to quantify the severity of
stroke-related deficits. It is used for initial assessment, monitoring
changes over time, guiding treatment decisions (such as
thrombolysis eligibility), and stratifying patients in clinical trials. It
does not diagnose stroke type, though higher scores correlate
with larger infarct volumes and poorer outcomes. The scale must
be administered by trained clinicians using strict scoring rules.
QUESTION 4
A patient scores 22 on the NIHSS, is drowsy, has right
hemiplegia, and global aphasia. Which statement is correct?
