NIH Stroke Scale – All Test Groups A–F
(Patients 1–6) Exam Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025/2026 Q&A
1.
Level of consciousness (LOC) is first assessed by:
A. Asking orientation questions
B. Observing spontaneous alertness
C. Testing motor response
D. Checking pupils
Answer: B
Rationale: LOC begins with observing if the patient is alert, drowsy, or
unresponsive.
2.
LOC Questions include:
A. Name and date
B. Age and month
C. Location and president
D. Day and time
Answer: B
Rationale: NIHSS specifies age and current month.
3.
If a patient answers both LOC questions correctly:
A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
,D. 3
Answer: A
Rationale: No errors = score of 0.
4.
Incorrect answer to one LOC question scores:
A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3
Answer: B
Rationale: One error = 1 point.
5.
LOC commands typically include:
A. Raise arms and legs
B. Open/close eyes and grip/release
C. Smile and speak
D. Count backward
Answer: B
Rationale: These are standard NIHSS commands.
6.
If both LOC commands are performed correctly:
A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3
,Answer: A
Rationale: Full compliance earns 0 points.
7.
Best gaze assesses:
A. Eye symmetry
B. Voluntary horizontal eye movement
C. Pupil reaction
D. Visual acuity
Answer: B
Rationale: NIHSS focuses on horizontal gaze.
8.
Forced gaze deviation scores:
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
Answer: B
Rationale: Forced deviation is severe impairment.
9.
Visual field testing uses:
A. Snellen chart
B. Finger counting
C. Confrontation testing
D. Light reflex
Answer: C
Rationale: Confrontation method is standard.
, 10.
Complete hemianopia scores:
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
Answer: B
Rationale: Complete loss of one visual field = 2.
11.
Facial palsy is assessed by:
A. Raising eyebrows
B. Smiling/grimacing
C. Puffing cheeks
D. All of the above
Answer: D
Rationale: All movements help evaluate facial function.
12.
Minor facial paralysis scores:
A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3
Answer: B
Rationale: Slight asymmetry = 1.
13.
(Patients 1–6) Exam Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025/2026 Q&A
1.
Level of consciousness (LOC) is first assessed by:
A. Asking orientation questions
B. Observing spontaneous alertness
C. Testing motor response
D. Checking pupils
Answer: B
Rationale: LOC begins with observing if the patient is alert, drowsy, or
unresponsive.
2.
LOC Questions include:
A. Name and date
B. Age and month
C. Location and president
D. Day and time
Answer: B
Rationale: NIHSS specifies age and current month.
3.
If a patient answers both LOC questions correctly:
A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
,D. 3
Answer: A
Rationale: No errors = score of 0.
4.
Incorrect answer to one LOC question scores:
A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3
Answer: B
Rationale: One error = 1 point.
5.
LOC commands typically include:
A. Raise arms and legs
B. Open/close eyes and grip/release
C. Smile and speak
D. Count backward
Answer: B
Rationale: These are standard NIHSS commands.
6.
If both LOC commands are performed correctly:
A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3
,Answer: A
Rationale: Full compliance earns 0 points.
7.
Best gaze assesses:
A. Eye symmetry
B. Voluntary horizontal eye movement
C. Pupil reaction
D. Visual acuity
Answer: B
Rationale: NIHSS focuses on horizontal gaze.
8.
Forced gaze deviation scores:
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
Answer: B
Rationale: Forced deviation is severe impairment.
9.
Visual field testing uses:
A. Snellen chart
B. Finger counting
C. Confrontation testing
D. Light reflex
Answer: C
Rationale: Confrontation method is standard.
, 10.
Complete hemianopia scores:
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
Answer: B
Rationale: Complete loss of one visual field = 2.
11.
Facial palsy is assessed by:
A. Raising eyebrows
B. Smiling/grimacing
C. Puffing cheeks
D. All of the above
Answer: D
Rationale: All movements help evaluate facial function.
12.
Minor facial paralysis scores:
A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3
Answer: B
Rationale: Slight asymmetry = 1.
13.
