, NIH Stroke Scale – All Test Groups A-F (Patients 1-6)
Answer Key (2026) | Exams Nursing
1. What is the primary purpose of the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)?
A) To quantify the severity of neurological deficits in a stroke patient
B) To diagnose the specific type of stroke
C) To predict 30‑day mortality after a stroke
D) To determine if a patient is eligible for tPA
Correct Answer: To quantify the severity of neurological deficits in a stroke
patient
Rationale: The NIHSS is a systematic assessment tool that grades stroke‑related
neurological impairment. It does not diagnose stroke type or directly determine
tPA eligibility, although it informs acute treatment decisions.
2. Which item on the NIHSS specifically evaluates the patient’s level of
consciousness?
A) 2. Best Gaze
B) 1a. Level of Consciousness (LOC)
C) 1b. LOC Questions
D) 9. Best Language
Correct Answer: 1a. Level of Consciousness (LOC)
Answer Key (2026) | Exams Nursing
1. What is the primary purpose of the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)?
A) To quantify the severity of neurological deficits in a stroke patient
B) To diagnose the specific type of stroke
C) To predict 30‑day mortality after a stroke
D) To determine if a patient is eligible for tPA
Correct Answer: To quantify the severity of neurological deficits in a stroke
patient
Rationale: The NIHSS is a systematic assessment tool that grades stroke‑related
neurological impairment. It does not diagnose stroke type or directly determine
tPA eligibility, although it informs acute treatment decisions.
2. Which item on the NIHSS specifically evaluates the patient’s level of
consciousness?
A) 2. Best Gaze
B) 1a. Level of Consciousness (LOC)
C) 1b. LOC Questions
D) 9. Best Language
Correct Answer: 1a. Level of Consciousness (LOC)
