Practice Test GeeksNIHSS - National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Practice Test
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Score Administration and Interpretation 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.

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  1. What is the maximum possible total score on the NIHSS?

    Answer: 42

    The NIHSS has a maximum total score of 42, achieved when all 15 items receive the highest possible scores.

  2. An NIHSS score of 0 indicates which of the following?

    Answer: No stroke symptoms

    A score of 0 on the NIHSS indicates no detectable stroke symptoms or neurological deficits.

  3. How many total items does the complete NIHSS assessment include?

    Answer: 15

    The NIHSS comprises 15 items, including separate bilateral assessments for motor arm (5a/5b) and motor leg (6a/6b).

  4. An NIHSS score of 1-4 classifies a stroke as which severity level?

    Answer: Minor

    NIHSS scores of 1-4 indicate a minor stroke with limited neurological deficits.

  5. Which NIHSS score range indicates a moderate stroke?

    Answer: 5-15

    NIHSS scores of 5-15 classify a stroke as moderate, indicating significant but not catastrophic neurological impairment.

  6. Which NIHSS score range represents a moderate-to-severe stroke?

    Answer: 16-20

    NIHSS scores of 16-20 classify a stroke as moderate-to-severe, representing substantial neurological compromise.

  7. A patient with an NIHSS score of 25 would be classified as having which type of stroke?

    Answer: Severe

    Any NIHSS score of 21-42 classifies a stroke as severe, reflecting major neurological deficits.

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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