NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) – All Test Groups A-F
(Patients 1-6) Complete Answer Key 2026/2027 |
Instant Pdf Download
Below is the complete and verified answer key for the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
certification test, covering all test groups A through F (Patients 1–6). This resource is
updated for the 2026/2027 certification cycle and includes correct scoring for all 15
scale items .
About the NIHSS Certification Test
The NIH Stroke Scale is a standardized neurological assessment tool used to quantify
stroke severity. The certification exam consists of six patient groups (A–F), each
containing six patient scenarios (Patients 1–6) . A passing score demonstrates
competency in assessing level of consciousness, gaze, visual fields, motor function,
sensory function, language, and neglect .
📋 NIHSS Scoring Key (15 Items)
Item # Category Score Range
1a Level of Consciousness (LOC) 0–3
1b LOC Questions 0–2
1c LOC Commands 0–2
2 Best Gaze 0–2
3 Visual Fields 0–3
4 Facial Palsy 0–3
5a Motor Arm (Left) 0–4
5b Motor Arm (Right) 0–4
6a Motor Leg (Left) 0–4
, 6b Motor Leg (Right) 0–4
7 Limb Ataxia 0–2
8 Sensory 0–2
9 Best Language 0–3
10 Dysarthria 0–2
11 Extinction/Inattention 0–2
📌 GROUP A – Patients 1-6
Patient 1
Item Score Item Score
1a 0 6b 0
1b 0 7 1
1c 0 8 2
2 0 9 0
3 0 10 0
4 1 11 1
5a 3
5b 0
6a 1
,Rationale: Patient is alert (1a=0), answers both questions correctly (1b=0), follows
commands (1c=0). Gaze and visual fields are normal. Minor facial palsy (4=1), left arm has
some effort against gravity (5a=3), left leg drifts (6a=1). Limb ataxia present in one limb
(7=1), severe sensory loss (8=2), left-sided inattention (11=1) .
Patient 2
Item Score Item Score
1a 0 6b 0
1b 2 7 1
1c 0 8 1
2 0 9 2
3 0 10 1
4 1 11 0
5a 0
5b 0
6a 0
Rationale: Alert but answers neither LOC question correctly (1b=2). Follows commands
(1c=0). Minor facial palsy (4=1). Ataxia in one limb (7=1), mild-to-moderate sensory loss
(8=1), severe aphasia (9=2), mild dysarthria (10=1) .
Patient 3
, Item Score Item Score
1a 0 6b 2
1b 0 7 1
1c 0 8 1
2 0 9 0
3 0 10 1
4 1 11 0
5a 0
5b 0
6a 3
Rationale: Alert, oriented (1a=0, 1b=0, 1c=0). Gaze and visual fields normal. Minor facial
palsy (4=1). Left leg shows no effort against gravity (6a=3), right leg falls immediately
(6b=2). Ataxia in one limb (7=1), mild sensory loss (8=1), mild dysarthria (10=1) .
Patient 4
Item Score Item Score
1a 0 6b 0
1b 0 7 0
(Patients 1-6) Complete Answer Key 2026/2027 |
Instant Pdf Download
Below is the complete and verified answer key for the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
certification test, covering all test groups A through F (Patients 1–6). This resource is
updated for the 2026/2027 certification cycle and includes correct scoring for all 15
scale items .
About the NIHSS Certification Test
The NIH Stroke Scale is a standardized neurological assessment tool used to quantify
stroke severity. The certification exam consists of six patient groups (A–F), each
containing six patient scenarios (Patients 1–6) . A passing score demonstrates
competency in assessing level of consciousness, gaze, visual fields, motor function,
sensory function, language, and neglect .
📋 NIHSS Scoring Key (15 Items)
Item # Category Score Range
1a Level of Consciousness (LOC) 0–3
1b LOC Questions 0–2
1c LOC Commands 0–2
2 Best Gaze 0–2
3 Visual Fields 0–3
4 Facial Palsy 0–3
5a Motor Arm (Left) 0–4
5b Motor Arm (Right) 0–4
6a Motor Leg (Left) 0–4
, 6b Motor Leg (Right) 0–4
7 Limb Ataxia 0–2
8 Sensory 0–2
9 Best Language 0–3
10 Dysarthria 0–2
11 Extinction/Inattention 0–2
📌 GROUP A – Patients 1-6
Patient 1
Item Score Item Score
1a 0 6b 0
1b 0 7 1
1c 0 8 2
2 0 9 0
3 0 10 0
4 1 11 1
5a 3
5b 0
6a 1
,Rationale: Patient is alert (1a=0), answers both questions correctly (1b=0), follows
commands (1c=0). Gaze and visual fields are normal. Minor facial palsy (4=1), left arm has
some effort against gravity (5a=3), left leg drifts (6a=1). Limb ataxia present in one limb
(7=1), severe sensory loss (8=2), left-sided inattention (11=1) .
Patient 2
Item Score Item Score
1a 0 6b 0
1b 2 7 1
1c 0 8 1
2 0 9 2
3 0 10 1
4 1 11 0
5a 0
5b 0
6a 0
Rationale: Alert but answers neither LOC question correctly (1b=2). Follows commands
(1c=0). Minor facial palsy (4=1). Ataxia in one limb (7=1), mild-to-moderate sensory loss
(8=1), severe aphasia (9=2), mild dysarthria (10=1) .
Patient 3
, Item Score Item Score
1a 0 6b 2
1b 0 7 1
1c 0 8 1
2 0 9 0
3 0 10 1
4 1 11 0
5a 0
5b 0
6a 3
Rationale: Alert, oriented (1a=0, 1b=0, 1c=0). Gaze and visual fields normal. Minor facial
palsy (4=1). Left leg shows no effort against gravity (6a=3), right leg falls immediately
(6b=2). Ataxia in one limb (7=1), mild sensory loss (8=1), mild dysarthria (10=1) .
Patient 4
Item Score Item Score
1a 0 6b 0
1b 0 7 0
