1
NIHSS CERTIFICATION EXAM 2026/2027 | NIH
STROKE SCALE | 50 VERIFIED Q&A | DETAILED
RATIONALES | PASS GUARANTEED – A+ GRADED
SECTION 1: NIHSS FUNDAMENTALS – Questions 1–10
Q1: NIHSS Fundamentals – Purpose
The NIH Stroke Scale is primarily used to:
A. Determine stroke etiology
B. Quantify neurological impairment
C. Assess long-term functional outcome
D. Diagnose hemorrhagic stroke
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The NIHSS quantifies neurological impairment in acute stroke to guide treatment and
monitor changes. It does not determine etiology or long-term outcomes. [100% CORRECT]
Q2: NIHSS Fundamentals – Score Range
The maximum possible NIHSS score is:
A. 30
B. 36
C. 42
D. 50
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The NIHSS has 11 items, each scored 0–4, with a maximum total score of 42. [100%
CORRECT]
Q3: NIHSS Fundamentals – Score of 0
An NIHSS score of 0 indicates:
A. Severe stroke
B. Moderate stroke
C. No measurable deficit
D. Minor stroke
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A score of 0 indicates no measurable neurological deficit on the NIHSS. [100% CORRECT]
Q4: NIHSS Fundamentals – Score 1–4
An NIHSS score of 1–4 is classified as:
A. Minor stroke
B. Moderate stroke
, 2
C. Moderate-severe stroke
D. Severe stroke
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: NIHSS 1–4 is classified as minor stroke. [100% CORRECT]
Q5: NIHSS Fundamentals – Score 5–15
An NIHSS score of 5–15 is classified as:
A. Minor stroke
B. Moderate stroke
C. Moderate-severe stroke
D. Severe stroke
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: NIHSS 5–15 is classified as moderate stroke. [100% CORRECT]
Q6: NIHSS Fundamentals – Score 16–20
An NIHSS score of 16–20 is classified as:
A. Minor stroke
B. Moderate stroke
C. Moderate-severe stroke
D. Severe stroke
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: NIHSS 16–20 is classified as moderate to severe stroke. [100% CORRECT]
Q7: NIHSS Fundamentals – Score >20
An NIHSS score greater than 20 is classified as:
A. Minor stroke
B. Moderate stroke
C. Moderate-severe stroke
D. Severe stroke
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: NIHSS >20 is classified as severe stroke. [100% CORRECT]
Q8: NIHSS Fundamentals – Score ≥25
An NIHSS score of 25 or higher is associated with:
A. Good prognosis
B. Poor prognosis
C. No deficit
D. Minor stroke
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: NIHSS ≥25 indicates severe stroke and is associated with poor prognosis and increased
mortality. [100% CORRECT]
NIHSS CERTIFICATION EXAM 2026/2027 | NIH
STROKE SCALE | 50 VERIFIED Q&A | DETAILED
RATIONALES | PASS GUARANTEED – A+ GRADED
SECTION 1: NIHSS FUNDAMENTALS – Questions 1–10
Q1: NIHSS Fundamentals – Purpose
The NIH Stroke Scale is primarily used to:
A. Determine stroke etiology
B. Quantify neurological impairment
C. Assess long-term functional outcome
D. Diagnose hemorrhagic stroke
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The NIHSS quantifies neurological impairment in acute stroke to guide treatment and
monitor changes. It does not determine etiology or long-term outcomes. [100% CORRECT]
Q2: NIHSS Fundamentals – Score Range
The maximum possible NIHSS score is:
A. 30
B. 36
C. 42
D. 50
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The NIHSS has 11 items, each scored 0–4, with a maximum total score of 42. [100%
CORRECT]
Q3: NIHSS Fundamentals – Score of 0
An NIHSS score of 0 indicates:
A. Severe stroke
B. Moderate stroke
C. No measurable deficit
D. Minor stroke
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A score of 0 indicates no measurable neurological deficit on the NIHSS. [100% CORRECT]
Q4: NIHSS Fundamentals – Score 1–4
An NIHSS score of 1–4 is classified as:
A. Minor stroke
B. Moderate stroke
, 2
C. Moderate-severe stroke
D. Severe stroke
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: NIHSS 1–4 is classified as minor stroke. [100% CORRECT]
Q5: NIHSS Fundamentals – Score 5–15
An NIHSS score of 5–15 is classified as:
A. Minor stroke
B. Moderate stroke
C. Moderate-severe stroke
D. Severe stroke
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: NIHSS 5–15 is classified as moderate stroke. [100% CORRECT]
Q6: NIHSS Fundamentals – Score 16–20
An NIHSS score of 16–20 is classified as:
A. Minor stroke
B. Moderate stroke
C. Moderate-severe stroke
D. Severe stroke
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: NIHSS 16–20 is classified as moderate to severe stroke. [100% CORRECT]
Q7: NIHSS Fundamentals – Score >20
An NIHSS score greater than 20 is classified as:
A. Minor stroke
B. Moderate stroke
C. Moderate-severe stroke
D. Severe stroke
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: NIHSS >20 is classified as severe stroke. [100% CORRECT]
Q8: NIHSS Fundamentals – Score ≥25
An NIHSS score of 25 or higher is associated with:
A. Good prognosis
B. Poor prognosis
C. No deficit
D. Minor stroke
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: NIHSS ≥25 indicates severe stroke and is associated with poor prognosis and increased
mortality. [100% CORRECT]
