Practice Test GeeksNIHSS - National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Practice Test
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Neurological Flashcards

7 cards from real NIHSS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Neurological flashcards as text

  1. On the NIHSS, how is Item 1b (Level of Consciousness Questions) scored when the patient answers both questions correctly?

    Answer: 0

    A score of 0 is given when the patient correctly answers both the month and age questions.

  2. A patient with a right hemisphere stroke cannot move their left arm against gravity but shows some effort. What NIHSS motor arm score applies?

    Answer: 3 — No effort against gravity

    Score 3 means the limb falls immediately without resistance and there is no effort against gravity.

  3. Which NIHSS item specifically tests for extinction and inattention?

    Answer: Item 11

    Item 11 assesses extinction and inattention (neglect) using simultaneous bilateral stimulation.

  4. When scoring NIHSS Item 5 (Motor Arm), the patient's arm drifts to the bed before 10 seconds but does not fall immediately. What is the correct score?

    Answer: 1

    Score 1 (drift) is assigned when the arm drifts before 10 seconds but does not fall to the bed immediately.

  5. The NIHSS visual fields item (Item 3) is scored as 2 when which finding is present?

    Answer: Complete hemianopia

    A score of 2 on Item 3 corresponds to complete hemianopia in one visual half-field.

  6. On NIHSS Item 8 (Sensory), how should the examiner test sensation in an aphasic patient?

    Answer: Observe grimace or withdrawal to noxious stimuli

    In aphasic or unresponsive patients, grimace or withdrawal to pinprick is used to estimate sensory function.

  7. A patient follows simple commands but cannot name a pen or repeat a phrase. Which NIHSS aphasia score is most appropriate?

    Answer: 1 — Mild to moderate aphasia

    Score 1 reflects mild-to-moderate aphasia where communication is possible but clearly impaired.

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Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

  1. ninds.nih.gov — Exam format · verified Oct 2026
  2. elearning.heart.org — Test delivery, eligibility, fees, renewal, score validity, retake fee, retake policy · verified Oct 2026