NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) Test Group A Exam
2025: (Patients 1-6) Actual TEST Questions and
correct Answers
1. Level of Consciousness (Item 1)
Question:
How do you assess a patient's level of consciousness using the NIH Stroke Scale?
a) Ask the patient to state their name and the date.
b) Gently tap the patient and observe their response to verbal commands.
c) Assess whether the patient opens their eyes, responds to verbal stimuli, and
follows commands.
d) Observe if the patient can remember simple instructions.
Answer:
c) Assess whether the patient opens their eyes, responds to verbal stimuli, and
follows commands.
2. Best Gaze (Item 2)
Question:
A patient has difficulty moving their eyes to the right and has a leftward gaze
preference. What score would you assign for the "Best Gaze" item?
a) 0
b) 1
c) 2
d) 3
, Answer:
b) 1 (Partial gaze palsy)
3. Visual Fields (Item 3)
Question:
What is the scoring criteria for the "Visual Fields" item of the NIHSS?
a) No visual field loss – 0
b) Partial visual field loss in one eye – 1
c) Complete visual field loss in one eye – 2
d) Total blindness in both eyes – 3
Answer:
a) No visual field loss – 0
4. Facial Palsy (Item 4)
Question:
A patient has mild facial drooping that resolves when they smile but remains
slightly asymmetrical at rest. What score would you assign?
a) 0
b) 1
c) 2
d) 3
Answer:
b) 1 (Mild facial weakness)
5. Motor Arm (Item 5)
Question:
How would you assess motor function of the arm for the NIHSS?
a) Ask the patient to hold both arms out for 10 seconds.
b) Observe if the patient can grip your hand.
2025: (Patients 1-6) Actual TEST Questions and
correct Answers
1. Level of Consciousness (Item 1)
Question:
How do you assess a patient's level of consciousness using the NIH Stroke Scale?
a) Ask the patient to state their name and the date.
b) Gently tap the patient and observe their response to verbal commands.
c) Assess whether the patient opens their eyes, responds to verbal stimuli, and
follows commands.
d) Observe if the patient can remember simple instructions.
Answer:
c) Assess whether the patient opens their eyes, responds to verbal stimuli, and
follows commands.
2. Best Gaze (Item 2)
Question:
A patient has difficulty moving their eyes to the right and has a leftward gaze
preference. What score would you assign for the "Best Gaze" item?
a) 0
b) 1
c) 2
d) 3
, Answer:
b) 1 (Partial gaze palsy)
3. Visual Fields (Item 3)
Question:
What is the scoring criteria for the "Visual Fields" item of the NIHSS?
a) No visual field loss – 0
b) Partial visual field loss in one eye – 1
c) Complete visual field loss in one eye – 2
d) Total blindness in both eyes – 3
Answer:
a) No visual field loss – 0
4. Facial Palsy (Item 4)
Question:
A patient has mild facial drooping that resolves when they smile but remains
slightly asymmetrical at rest. What score would you assign?
a) 0
b) 1
c) 2
d) 3
Answer:
b) 1 (Mild facial weakness)
5. Motor Arm (Item 5)
Question:
How would you assess motor function of the arm for the NIHSS?
a) Ask the patient to hold both arms out for 10 seconds.
b) Observe if the patient can grip your hand.
