NIHSS Group A Stroke Assessment Practice: Patients 1–6 –
Complete Questions, Answers & Rationales for 2026
Table of Contents – NIHSS Group A | Patients 1–6
1. Introduction
o Overview of NIHSS
o How to use this practice exam
2. Patient 1 – Clinical Case & Questions
o Scenario
o Questions 1a–11
o Correct Answers & Rationales
3. Patient 2 – Clinical Case & Questions
o Scenario
o Questions 1a–11
o Correct Answers & Rationales
4. Patient 3 – Clinical Case & Questions
o Scenario
o Questions 1a–11
o Correct Answers & Rationales
5. Patient 4 – Clinical Case & Questions
o Scenario
o Questions 1a–11
o Correct Answers & Rationales
6. Patient 5 – Clinical Case & Questions
o Scenario
o Questions 1a–11
o Correct Answers & Rationales
7. Patient 6 – Clinical Case & Questions
o Scenario
o Questions 1a–11
o Correct Answers & Rationales
8. Answer Key Summary
o Quick reference table for all Patients 1–6
9. Notes & Tips for Exam Preparation
,Patient 1 – Clinical Case Study
Scenario:
Patient 1 is a 45-year-old female coming in for a routine wellness visit. She
reports no significant complaints. Vital signs are within normal limits. Physical
exam shows only slight lower abdominal tenderness.
Instructions:
Read each question carefully and select the correct answer. Correct answers
follow the number key provided. Rationales explain why each answer is correct.
Questions
1a. Which of the following best describes the patient’s current symptoms?
0. No symptoms
1. Fever
2. Shortness of breath
3. Nausea
Correct Answer: 0
Rationale: Patient is asymptomatic at the time of examination.
1b. Which vital sign is abnormal?
0. None
1. Blood pressure
2. Heart rate
3. Respiratory rate
Correct Answer: 0
Rationale: All vital signs are normal.
1c. Does the patient show signs of infection?
0. No
1. Yes
, 2. Not sure
Correct Answer: 0
Rationale: No fever, redness, or inflammation is present.
2. Does the patient require immediate intervention?
0. No
1. Yes
Correct Answer: 0
Rationale: The patient is stable; no urgent interventions needed.
3. Are there abnormal findings on physical exam?
0. No
1. Yes
Correct Answer: 0
Rationale: Only mild tenderness noted; no abnormal findings requiring
action.
4. What is the most appropriate nursing action?
0. Monitor and reassess
1. Begin IV fluids
2. Administer medications immediately
3. Prepare for surgery
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Monitoring and basic assessment is appropriate; patient is
stable.
5a. Which lifestyle interventions should be discussed?
0. Diet only
1. Exercise only
2. Stress management only
3. Diet, exercise, and stress management
4. None
Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: Comprehensive counseling (diet, exercise, stress management)
supports wellness.
Complete Questions, Answers & Rationales for 2026
Table of Contents – NIHSS Group A | Patients 1–6
1. Introduction
o Overview of NIHSS
o How to use this practice exam
2. Patient 1 – Clinical Case & Questions
o Scenario
o Questions 1a–11
o Correct Answers & Rationales
3. Patient 2 – Clinical Case & Questions
o Scenario
o Questions 1a–11
o Correct Answers & Rationales
4. Patient 3 – Clinical Case & Questions
o Scenario
o Questions 1a–11
o Correct Answers & Rationales
5. Patient 4 – Clinical Case & Questions
o Scenario
o Questions 1a–11
o Correct Answers & Rationales
6. Patient 5 – Clinical Case & Questions
o Scenario
o Questions 1a–11
o Correct Answers & Rationales
7. Patient 6 – Clinical Case & Questions
o Scenario
o Questions 1a–11
o Correct Answers & Rationales
8. Answer Key Summary
o Quick reference table for all Patients 1–6
9. Notes & Tips for Exam Preparation
,Patient 1 – Clinical Case Study
Scenario:
Patient 1 is a 45-year-old female coming in for a routine wellness visit. She
reports no significant complaints. Vital signs are within normal limits. Physical
exam shows only slight lower abdominal tenderness.
Instructions:
Read each question carefully and select the correct answer. Correct answers
follow the number key provided. Rationales explain why each answer is correct.
Questions
1a. Which of the following best describes the patient’s current symptoms?
0. No symptoms
1. Fever
2. Shortness of breath
3. Nausea
Correct Answer: 0
Rationale: Patient is asymptomatic at the time of examination.
1b. Which vital sign is abnormal?
0. None
1. Blood pressure
2. Heart rate
3. Respiratory rate
Correct Answer: 0
Rationale: All vital signs are normal.
1c. Does the patient show signs of infection?
0. No
1. Yes
, 2. Not sure
Correct Answer: 0
Rationale: No fever, redness, or inflammation is present.
2. Does the patient require immediate intervention?
0. No
1. Yes
Correct Answer: 0
Rationale: The patient is stable; no urgent interventions needed.
3. Are there abnormal findings on physical exam?
0. No
1. Yes
Correct Answer: 0
Rationale: Only mild tenderness noted; no abnormal findings requiring
action.
4. What is the most appropriate nursing action?
0. Monitor and reassess
1. Begin IV fluids
2. Administer medications immediately
3. Prepare for surgery
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Monitoring and basic assessment is appropriate; patient is
stable.
5a. Which lifestyle interventions should be discussed?
0. Diet only
1. Exercise only
2. Stress management only
3. Diet, exercise, and stress management
4. None
Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: Comprehensive counseling (diet, exercise, stress management)
supports wellness.
