NIH STROKE SCALE
(NIHSS)
Practice Paper & Answer Key | 2026–2027
20 ORIGINAL REVIEW QUESTIONS • SCORING PRINCIPLES • RATIONALES
A practical study companion for understanding standardized NIHSS administration and scoring principles.
Independent study resource • Page 1
, NIHSS PRACTICE REVIEW | 2026/2027
Introduction
Strengthen your NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) review with this 2026–2027 practice paper. It is designed to help learners
understand the principles behind standardized neurological assessment rather than rely on memorized answer lists. It
includes 20 original multiple-choice questions, a concise answer key, and rationales covering level of consciousness,
gaze, visual fields, facial movement, motor testing, coordination, sensation, language, dysarthria, and inattention.
The NIHSS is a standardized 15-item neurological scale used to describe neurological deficits and support assessment of
stroke severity. Accurate scoring depends on following item-specific instructions, observing the patient’s actual
responses, and applying the official rules consistently.
What You’ll Get
• 20 original review questions with answer options
• An answer key with explanations
• Review of standardized administration and common scoring pitfalls
• A checklist for focused revision
Important Scope Note
This is an independent practice resource. It does not reproduce official Test Groups A–F patient videos or provide their
patient-specific answer key. Use the authorized NIHSS training and certification program for official cases and certification
scoring.
How to Use This Paper
• Answer each question before checking the key.
• Read the rationale and revisit the current official NIHSS booklet.
• For actual patient assessment, follow current institutional protocols and authorized training materials.
• Promptly communicate acute or worsening neurological findings through the appropriate clinical escalation pathway.
Independent study resource • Page 2
(NIHSS)
Practice Paper & Answer Key | 2026–2027
20 ORIGINAL REVIEW QUESTIONS • SCORING PRINCIPLES • RATIONALES
A practical study companion for understanding standardized NIHSS administration and scoring principles.
Independent study resource • Page 1
, NIHSS PRACTICE REVIEW | 2026/2027
Introduction
Strengthen your NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) review with this 2026–2027 practice paper. It is designed to help learners
understand the principles behind standardized neurological assessment rather than rely on memorized answer lists. It
includes 20 original multiple-choice questions, a concise answer key, and rationales covering level of consciousness,
gaze, visual fields, facial movement, motor testing, coordination, sensation, language, dysarthria, and inattention.
The NIHSS is a standardized 15-item neurological scale used to describe neurological deficits and support assessment of
stroke severity. Accurate scoring depends on following item-specific instructions, observing the patient’s actual
responses, and applying the official rules consistently.
What You’ll Get
• 20 original review questions with answer options
• An answer key with explanations
• Review of standardized administration and common scoring pitfalls
• A checklist for focused revision
Important Scope Note
This is an independent practice resource. It does not reproduce official Test Groups A–F patient videos or provide their
patient-specific answer key. Use the authorized NIHSS training and certification program for official cases and certification
scoring.
How to Use This Paper
• Answer each question before checking the key.
• Read the rationale and revisit the current official NIHSS booklet.
• For actual patient assessment, follow current institutional protocols and authorized training materials.
• Promptly communicate acute or worsening neurological findings through the appropriate clinical escalation pathway.
Independent study resource • Page 2
