NIHSS Group B Patients 1-6 2024 Answer Ke
AHA/NINDS Certification for Acute Stroke Assessment
Effective Spring 2024
,NIHSS Group B Patients 1–6 Page 1
⋆
1. Introduction
The NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is a standardized tool developed by the National Institute
of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) to quantify neurological deficits in acute
stroke patients, endorsed by the American Heart Association (AHA). Group B, part of
the AHA/NINDS certification at a 6-month interval, assesses six patients across 11 test
items, including consciousness, motor function, and language. This 2024 answer key
provides accurate scores for Patients 1–6, with detailed explanations to support health-
care professionals in achieving certification. It corrects discrepancies (e.g., Patient 3,
item 4 corrected to 0) and aligns with AHA/NINDS guidelines for precise stroke assess-
ment.
⋆
2. Answer Key
2.1 Patient 1
• Patient 1
1b. LOC Questions 1 – Answers one correctly
Explanation: The patient answers one of two questions (age or
month) correctly, scoring 1. A score of 0 requires both correct,
while 2 indicates neither, which is too severe. This assesses
cognitive impairment due to stroke. It informs communication
strategies and stroke severity per AHA guidelines.
AHA/NINDS NIHSS Certification 2024
, NIHSS Group B Patients 1–6 Page 2
2. Best Gaze 0 – Normal
Explanation: Eye movements are normal with no gaze deviation,
scoring 0. Scores of 1–2 indicate partial or forced deviation, not
observed. This assesses cranial nerve function in stroke patients.
It guides diagnostic imaging decisions per NINDS protocols.
4. Facial Palsy 1 – Minor paralysis
Explanation: Minor facial asymmetry is observed, scoring 1. A
score of 0 indicates normal movement, while 2–3 reflect moderate
to complete paralysis, too severe here. This assesses facial nerve
function. It aids in localizing stroke lesions and guiding treatment
per AHA standards.
5b. Motor Arm (Right) 4 – No movement
Explanation: The right arm shows no movement, scoring 4. Lower
scores (0–3) indicate some strength or drift, not applicable. This
reflects severe hemiparesis, guiding urgent stroke interventions. It
aligns with 2024 AHA/NINDS standards.
6b. Motor Leg (Right) 3 – No effort against gravity
Explanation: The right leg shows no effort against gravity, scoring
3. Lower scores (0–2) indicate some strength, while 4 is no
AHA/NINDS NIHSS Certification 2024
AHA/NINDS Certification for Acute Stroke Assessment
Effective Spring 2024
,NIHSS Group B Patients 1–6 Page 1
⋆
1. Introduction
The NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is a standardized tool developed by the National Institute
of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) to quantify neurological deficits in acute
stroke patients, endorsed by the American Heart Association (AHA). Group B, part of
the AHA/NINDS certification at a 6-month interval, assesses six patients across 11 test
items, including consciousness, motor function, and language. This 2024 answer key
provides accurate scores for Patients 1–6, with detailed explanations to support health-
care professionals in achieving certification. It corrects discrepancies (e.g., Patient 3,
item 4 corrected to 0) and aligns with AHA/NINDS guidelines for precise stroke assess-
ment.
⋆
2. Answer Key
2.1 Patient 1
• Patient 1
1b. LOC Questions 1 – Answers one correctly
Explanation: The patient answers one of two questions (age or
month) correctly, scoring 1. A score of 0 requires both correct,
while 2 indicates neither, which is too severe. This assesses
cognitive impairment due to stroke. It informs communication
strategies and stroke severity per AHA guidelines.
AHA/NINDS NIHSS Certification 2024
, NIHSS Group B Patients 1–6 Page 2
2. Best Gaze 0 – Normal
Explanation: Eye movements are normal with no gaze deviation,
scoring 0. Scores of 1–2 indicate partial or forced deviation, not
observed. This assesses cranial nerve function in stroke patients.
It guides diagnostic imaging decisions per NINDS protocols.
4. Facial Palsy 1 – Minor paralysis
Explanation: Minor facial asymmetry is observed, scoring 1. A
score of 0 indicates normal movement, while 2–3 reflect moderate
to complete paralysis, too severe here. This assesses facial nerve
function. It aids in localizing stroke lesions and guiding treatment
per AHA standards.
5b. Motor Arm (Right) 4 – No movement
Explanation: The right arm shows no movement, scoring 4. Lower
scores (0–3) indicate some strength or drift, not applicable. This
reflects severe hemiparesis, guiding urgent stroke interventions. It
aligns with 2024 AHA/NINDS standards.
6b. Motor Leg (Right) 3 – No effort against gravity
Explanation: The right leg shows no effort against gravity, scoring
3. Lower scores (0–2) indicate some strength, while 4 is no
AHA/NINDS NIHSS Certification 2024
