Free NIHSS Neurological Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
- To assess the severity of a stroke (Correct answer)
- To determine a patient's blood type
- To measure blood pressure
- To diagnose heart disease
Correct answer: To assess the severity of a stroke
The NIHSS is used to objectively quantify the impairment caused by a stroke.
Question 2: Which of the following is NOT a component of the NIHSS?
- Blood glucose levels (Correct answer)
- Motor function
- Language
- Level of consciousness
Correct answer: Blood glucose levels
The NIHSS assesses neurological function, including consciousness, language, and motor skills, but not blood glucose levels.
Question 3: How is the level of consciousness assessed in the NIHSS?
- Through a series of questions and commands (Correct answer)
- By measuring heart rate
- By performing a blood test
- By checking oxygen saturation
Correct answer: Through a series of questions and commands
Level of consciousness is assessed by asking the patient questions and giving simple commands.
Question 4: What does a score of 0 on the NIHSS indicate?
- Severe stroke
- No stroke symptoms (Correct answer)
- Moderate stroke
- Mild stroke
Correct answer: No stroke symptoms
A score of 0 on the NIHSS indicates no neurological deficits.
Question 5: Which of the following deficits is assessed under the "Motor Arm" section of the NIHSS?
- Arm movement and strength (Correct answer)
- Facial droop
- Leg movement and strength
- Speech clarity
Correct answer: Arm movement and strength
The "Motor Arm" section evaluates the movement and strength of the arms.
Question 6: How is the patient's ability to understand and use language evaluated in the NIHSS?
- By asking the patient to name objects and describe a picture (Correct answer)
- By asking the patient to count backward
- By observing the patient’s walking gait
- By checking the patient's reflexes
Correct answer: By asking the patient to name objects and describe a picture
The language section assesses comprehension and expression by having the patient name objects and describe a picture.
Question 7: In the NIHSS, what does a higher total score generally indicate?
- Worse neurological impairment (Correct answer)
- Better neurological function
- Lower risk of future strokes
- Better patient recovery
Correct answer: Worse neurological impairment
A higher NIHSS score indicates more severe neurological impairment.
Question 8: Which aspect of vision is assessed by the NIHSS?
- Peripheral vision and visual fields (Correct answer)
- Color vision
- Night vision
- Depth perception
Correct answer: Peripheral vision and visual fields
The NIHSS assesses peripheral vision and visual fields to detect visual field deficits.
Question 9: When assessing limb ataxia in the NIHSS, what is being evaluated?
- Coordination and smoothness of movements (Correct answer)
- Muscle strength
- Sensory response
- Reflexes
Correct answer: Coordination and smoothness of movements
Limb ataxia assessment evaluates coordination and smoothness of movements to identify cerebellar dysfunction.
Question 10: Which item on the NIHSS assesses the patient's sensory function?
- Sensory exam (pinprick to face, arm, and leg) (Correct answer)
- Visual fields
- Motor leg
- Level of consciousness
Correct answer: Sensory exam (pinprick to face, arm, and leg)
The sensory function is assessed by testing the patient's response to a pinprick on the face, arm, and leg.
Question 11: How often should the NIHSS be administered to a patient who has experienced a stroke?
- At regular intervals to monitor progress and guide treatment (Correct answer)
- Once, at the time of admission
- Only if symptoms worsen
- Only during discharge
Correct answer: At regular intervals to monitor progress and guide treatment
The NIHSS should be administered at regular intervals to monitor the patient’s progress and guide treatment decisions.
Free NIHSS Neurological Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)