NIH STROKE SCALE PRACTICE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026
Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following best describes the purpose of the
NIH Stroke Scale?
A. To determine the cause of stroke
B. To objectively quantify the impairment caused by a stroke
C. To identify the patient’s risk factors
D. To decide if the stroke is hemorrhagic
Rationale: The NIHSS provides a standardized measure of
stroke-related neurological deficit severity.
2. How many items are included in the NIH Stroke Scale?
A. 9
B. 12
C. 11
D. 15
,Rationale: The NIHSS consists of 11 items assessing
consciousness, gaze, vision, motor strength, coordination,
sensation, speech, and neglect.
3. When performing the NIHSS, the examiner should:
A. Give hints if the patient struggles
B. Follow the exact script and scoring instructions
C. Modify the order for comfort
D. Skip items if the patient is uncooperative
Rationale: Consistency is crucial; deviations invalidate results.
4. What is the range of possible scores for the NIHSS?
A. 0–10
B. 0–42
C. 1–50
D. 0–100
Rationale: The total NIHSS score ranges from 0 (no deficit) to
42 (most severe stroke).
5. What does a total NIHSS score of 0 indicate?
A. Mild stroke
B. Moderate stroke
,C. No stroke symptoms
D. Severe stroke
Rationale: A score of 0 means the patient shows no detectable
neurological deficits.
6. The first section of the NIHSS assesses:
A. Motor function
B. Language
C. Level of consciousness (LOC)
D. Coordination
Rationale: The initial step determines the patient’s alertness
and responsiveness.
7. The NIHSS is most appropriate for use in which setting?
A. Dental clinic
B. Acute stroke care (ER, ICU, or stroke unit)
C. Outpatient mental health
D. Postoperative recovery
Rationale: NIHSS is designed for acute stroke evaluation and
ongoing neurological assessment.
8. The LOC section includes which sub-items?
, A. Commands and language only
B. LOC responsiveness, LOC questions, and LOC commands
C. Facial movement and gaze
D. Motor arm and leg
Rationale: LOC is divided into three parts: alertness,
orientation questions, and ability to follow commands.
9. A patient does not open eyes or move to painful
stimulation. LOC score?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 0
Rationale: A score of 3 = unresponsive to all stimuli.
10. For LOC questions, the patient is asked:
A. To name objects
B. Month and age
C. To repeat a phrase
D. To lift both arms
Rationale: LOC questions test orientation using two factual
responses: age and month.
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026
Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following best describes the purpose of the
NIH Stroke Scale?
A. To determine the cause of stroke
B. To objectively quantify the impairment caused by a stroke
C. To identify the patient’s risk factors
D. To decide if the stroke is hemorrhagic
Rationale: The NIHSS provides a standardized measure of
stroke-related neurological deficit severity.
2. How many items are included in the NIH Stroke Scale?
A. 9
B. 12
C. 11
D. 15
,Rationale: The NIHSS consists of 11 items assessing
consciousness, gaze, vision, motor strength, coordination,
sensation, speech, and neglect.
3. When performing the NIHSS, the examiner should:
A. Give hints if the patient struggles
B. Follow the exact script and scoring instructions
C. Modify the order for comfort
D. Skip items if the patient is uncooperative
Rationale: Consistency is crucial; deviations invalidate results.
4. What is the range of possible scores for the NIHSS?
A. 0–10
B. 0–42
C. 1–50
D. 0–100
Rationale: The total NIHSS score ranges from 0 (no deficit) to
42 (most severe stroke).
5. What does a total NIHSS score of 0 indicate?
A. Mild stroke
B. Moderate stroke
,C. No stroke symptoms
D. Severe stroke
Rationale: A score of 0 means the patient shows no detectable
neurological deficits.
6. The first section of the NIHSS assesses:
A. Motor function
B. Language
C. Level of consciousness (LOC)
D. Coordination
Rationale: The initial step determines the patient’s alertness
and responsiveness.
7. The NIHSS is most appropriate for use in which setting?
A. Dental clinic
B. Acute stroke care (ER, ICU, or stroke unit)
C. Outpatient mental health
D. Postoperative recovery
Rationale: NIHSS is designed for acute stroke evaluation and
ongoing neurological assessment.
8. The LOC section includes which sub-items?
, A. Commands and language only
B. LOC responsiveness, LOC questions, and LOC commands
C. Facial movement and gaze
D. Motor arm and leg
Rationale: LOC is divided into three parts: alertness,
orientation questions, and ability to follow commands.
9. A patient does not open eyes or move to painful
stimulation. LOC score?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 0
Rationale: A score of 3 = unresponsive to all stimuli.
10. For LOC questions, the patient is asked:
A. To name objects
B. Month and age
C. To repeat a phrase
D. To lift both arms
Rationale: LOC questions test orientation using two factual
responses: age and month.
