NIHSS Motor Function Assessment 2

Question 1

A patient holds their right arm at 90° but it drifts down within 3 seconds without hitting the bed. What NIHSS Item 5a score applies?

Accepted Answer

1 - Drift but does not hit bed

Answer

A score of 1 is assigned when the limb drifts before 10 seconds but does not fall all the way to the bed.

Question 2

When assessing leg motor function (Item 6), at what angle is the leg held for testing in a supine patient?

Accepted Answer

30 degrees

Answer

The leg is held at 30° off the bed for 5 seconds during NIHSS Item 6 assessment.

Question 3

A patient with hemiplegia cannot move the affected arm against gravity at all. What is the NIHSS motor arm score?

Accepted Answer

3

Answer

A score of 3 means no effort against gravity; the limb falls immediately when placed in position.

Question 4

Which NIHSS item specifically evaluates left leg motor function?

Accepted Answer

Item 6b

Answer

Item 6b assesses the left leg motor function, while 6a assesses the right leg.

Question 5

A patient is asked to hold the arm up but makes no movement whatsoever due to amputation. How is this NIHSS item scored?

Accepted Answer

UN (untestable)

Answer

Amputation or joint fusion results in an 'UN' (untestable) score with an explanation noted.

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