lOMoAR cPSD| 57629747
HESI Diagnostic Exam: NIHSS & Test-Taking Strategies
Herzing University
Bsn Practicum
HESI Diagnostic Exam: Neurological Assessment (NIHSS) and Test-Taking
Strategies
Name Student ID
Date Signature
How to use this exam
1 Set a timer. Practice under real exam conditions! No notes, no AI assistance.
2 When finished, scan the QR code on the last page to submit and see the correct answers with detailed
explanations.
3 Review your mistakes carefully and note down areas that need improvement. Use Studocu AI to create
targeted study materials like quizzes, summaries, and study guides.
Section 60 Multiple Choice
Select the best possible answer for each question. Each question is worth 3 marks.
Question 1 6 total marks
During the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) assessment, motor function is evaluated by placing limbs in specific positions.
For the arms, the limb is extended (palms down) at 90 degrees if the patient is sitting, or 45 degrees if the patient is
supine. For the legs, the limb is held at 30 degrees while the patient is in a supine position.
Downloaded by Collins Mwaniki ()
, lOMoAR cPSD| 57629747
Timing is critical for scoring 'drift':
- Arms: Drift is scored if the limb falls before 10 seconds. -
Legs: Drift is scored if the limb falls before 5 seconds.
A A patient is sitting in a chair during the NIHSS assessment. At what angle should the nurse position the patient's
arm to test for motor drift, and how long must the position be held to avoid a drift
score?
A 90 degrees for 5 seconds
B 45 degrees for 5 seconds
C 45 degrees for 10 seconds
D 90 degrees for 10 seconds
B While testing a supine patient's right leg (item 6b), the leg falls to the bed after 3 seconds of holding the 30-degree
position. What is the most accurate NIHSS score for this finding?
A 3 (No effort against gravity, limb falls immediately) B 2 (Some effort against gravity)
C 1 (Drift, does not hit bed)
D 0 (No drift)
generated on 12.07.2026
Downloaded by Collins Mwaniki ()
HESI Diagnostic Exam: NIHSS & Test-Taking Strategies
Herzing University
Bsn Practicum
HESI Diagnostic Exam: Neurological Assessment (NIHSS) and Test-Taking
Strategies
Name Student ID
Date Signature
How to use this exam
1 Set a timer. Practice under real exam conditions! No notes, no AI assistance.
2 When finished, scan the QR code on the last page to submit and see the correct answers with detailed
explanations.
3 Review your mistakes carefully and note down areas that need improvement. Use Studocu AI to create
targeted study materials like quizzes, summaries, and study guides.
Section 60 Multiple Choice
Select the best possible answer for each question. Each question is worth 3 marks.
Question 1 6 total marks
During the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) assessment, motor function is evaluated by placing limbs in specific positions.
For the arms, the limb is extended (palms down) at 90 degrees if the patient is sitting, or 45 degrees if the patient is
supine. For the legs, the limb is held at 30 degrees while the patient is in a supine position.
Downloaded by Collins Mwaniki ()
, lOMoAR cPSD| 57629747
Timing is critical for scoring 'drift':
- Arms: Drift is scored if the limb falls before 10 seconds. -
Legs: Drift is scored if the limb falls before 5 seconds.
A A patient is sitting in a chair during the NIHSS assessment. At what angle should the nurse position the patient's
arm to test for motor drift, and how long must the position be held to avoid a drift
score?
A 90 degrees for 5 seconds
B 45 degrees for 5 seconds
C 45 degrees for 10 seconds
D 90 degrees for 10 seconds
B While testing a supine patient's right leg (item 6b), the leg falls to the bed after 3 seconds of holding the 30-degree
position. What is the most accurate NIHSS score for this finding?
A 3 (No effort against gravity, limb falls immediately) B 2 (Some effort against gravity)
C 1 (Drift, does not hit bed)
D 0 (No drift)
generated on 12.07.2026
Downloaded by Collins Mwaniki ()
