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. What maximum total NIHSS score indicates a very severe stroke?

    Answer: 42

    The maximum possible NIHSS score is 42, representing the most severe neurological deficits.

  2. During NIHSS Item 1c (Level of Consciousness Commands), the patient blinks when asked to close eyes but cannot grip. How is this scored?

    Answer: 1

    Score 1 is given when the patient performs only one of the two commands correctly.

  3. Which NIHSS item evaluates dysarthria separately from aphasia?

    Answer: Item 9

    Item 9 specifically assesses dysarthria by asking the patient to read or repeat words.

  4. A patient with a brainstem stroke has bilateral limb ataxia. How does this affect NIHSS Item 7 scoring?

    Answer: Each side is scored separately up to 2

    Item 7 scores limb ataxia on each side (0–1 each), with a maximum of 2 for bilateral ataxia.

  5. In NIHSS testing, what does a score of 3 on Item 9 (Dysarthria) indicate?

    Answer: Mute or anarthric

    Score 3 on dysarthria is assigned when the patient is mute or intubated and cannot be tested.

  6. Which condition can cause a falsely low NIHSS score despite a significant stroke?

    Answer: Posterior circulation stroke affecting balance and vision only

    Posterior circulation strokes affecting only ataxia and visual fields may produce modest NIHSS scores despite clinical severity.

  7. On NIHSS Item 4 (Facial Palsy), which finding earns a score of 2?

    Answer: Partial paralysis of lower face

    Score 2 represents partial paralysis of the lower face on one side, with asymmetric movement.

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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