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.
