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NIHSS PRACTICE EXAM 2026/2027 | NIH STROKE
SCALE | 45 VERIFIED Q&A | DETAILED
RATIONALES | PASS GUARANTEED – A+ GRADED
SECTION 1: NIHSS OVERVIEW AND ADMINISTRATION – Questions 1–8
Q1: NIHSS Overview – Primary Use
The NIH Stroke Scale is designed to:
A. Identify the cause of a stroke
B. Measure the severity of neurological deficits
C. Determine the exact size of an infarct
D. Predict long-term functional independence
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The NIHSS quantifies neurological impairment in acute stroke. It does not identify cause,
infarct size, or long-term independence. [100% CORRECT]
Q2: NIHSS Overview – Score Interpretation
An NIHSS score of 3 is classified as:
A. No stroke
B. Minor stroke
C. Moderate stroke
D. Severe stroke
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: NIHSS 1–4 is classified as minor stroke. [100% CORRECT]
Q3: NIHSS Overview – Score Interpretation
An NIHSS score of 12 is classified as:
A. Minor stroke
B. Moderate stroke
C. Moderate-severe stroke
D. Severe stroke
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: NIHSS 5–15 is moderate stroke. [100% CORRECT]
Q4: NIHSS Overview – Score Interpretation
An NIHSS score of 18 is classified as:
A. Minor stroke
B. Moderate stroke
, 2
C. Moderate-severe stroke
D. Severe stroke
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: NIHSS 16–20 is moderate to severe stroke. [100% CORRECT]
Q5: NIHSS Overview – Score Interpretation
An NIHSS score of 23 is classified as:
A. Minor stroke
B. Moderate stroke
C. Moderate-severe stroke
D. Severe stroke
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: NIHSS >20 is severe stroke. [100% CORRECT]
Q6: NIHSS Administration – Timing
The NIHSS should be performed:
A. Only after CT scan
B. As soon as possible after stroke onset
C. Only after 24 hours
D. Only after thrombolysis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The NIHSS should be performed as soon as possible after onset to establish a baseline
and guide treatment. [100% CORRECT]
Q7: NIHSS Administration – Provider
Which provider can administer the NIHSS?
A. Only a neurologist
B. Only a registered nurse
C. Any trained healthcare provider
D. Only an emergency physician
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The NIHSS can be administered by any trained healthcare provider, including nurses and
physicians. [100% CORRECT]
Q8: NIHSS Administration – Serial Testing
Serial NIHSS assessments are primarily used to:
A. Determine stroke subtype
B. Detect neurological deterioration or improvement
C. Calculate hospital costs
D. Assess family history
NIHSS PRACTICE EXAM 2026/2027 | NIH STROKE
SCALE | 45 VERIFIED Q&A | DETAILED
RATIONALES | PASS GUARANTEED – A+ GRADED
SECTION 1: NIHSS OVERVIEW AND ADMINISTRATION – Questions 1–8
Q1: NIHSS Overview – Primary Use
The NIH Stroke Scale is designed to:
A. Identify the cause of a stroke
B. Measure the severity of neurological deficits
C. Determine the exact size of an infarct
D. Predict long-term functional independence
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The NIHSS quantifies neurological impairment in acute stroke. It does not identify cause,
infarct size, or long-term independence. [100% CORRECT]
Q2: NIHSS Overview – Score Interpretation
An NIHSS score of 3 is classified as:
A. No stroke
B. Minor stroke
C. Moderate stroke
D. Severe stroke
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: NIHSS 1–4 is classified as minor stroke. [100% CORRECT]
Q3: NIHSS Overview – Score Interpretation
An NIHSS score of 12 is classified as:
A. Minor stroke
B. Moderate stroke
C. Moderate-severe stroke
D. Severe stroke
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: NIHSS 5–15 is moderate stroke. [100% CORRECT]
Q4: NIHSS Overview – Score Interpretation
An NIHSS score of 18 is classified as:
A. Minor stroke
B. Moderate stroke
, 2
C. Moderate-severe stroke
D. Severe stroke
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: NIHSS 16–20 is moderate to severe stroke. [100% CORRECT]
Q5: NIHSS Overview – Score Interpretation
An NIHSS score of 23 is classified as:
A. Minor stroke
B. Moderate stroke
C. Moderate-severe stroke
D. Severe stroke
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: NIHSS >20 is severe stroke. [100% CORRECT]
Q6: NIHSS Administration – Timing
The NIHSS should be performed:
A. Only after CT scan
B. As soon as possible after stroke onset
C. Only after 24 hours
D. Only after thrombolysis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The NIHSS should be performed as soon as possible after onset to establish a baseline
and guide treatment. [100% CORRECT]
Q7: NIHSS Administration – Provider
Which provider can administer the NIHSS?
A. Only a neurologist
B. Only a registered nurse
C. Any trained healthcare provider
D. Only an emergency physician
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The NIHSS can be administered by any trained healthcare provider, including nurses and
physicians. [100% CORRECT]
Q8: NIHSS Administration – Serial Testing
Serial NIHSS assessments are primarily used to:
A. Determine stroke subtype
B. Detect neurological deterioration or improvement
C. Calculate hospital costs
D. Assess family history
