NIHSS Motor Function Assessment 4

Question 1

A patient holds the arm at 90° for the full 10 seconds with no drift. What is the NIHSS Item 5 score?

Accepted Answer

0

Answer

A score of 0 indicates no drift — the limb holds position for the full 10 seconds.

Question 2

When scoring NIHSS motor items in an unresponsive patient, what instruction should be given before scoring?

Accepted Answer

Attempt verbal instruction, then physical positioning

Answer

The examiner should give verbal instructions and physically place the limb in position to assess best motor response.

Question 3

Which total NIHSS score range would be expected if a patient scores 3 on both motor arm items and 3 on both motor leg items?

Accepted Answer

12 from motor items alone

Answer

Four motor items at score 3 each (3×4=12) contribute 12 points to the total NIHSS from motor alone.

Question 4

A patient drags the right leg slightly when walking but can hold it at 30° for the full 5 seconds. What is the NIHSS Item 6a score?

Accepted Answer

0

Answer

If the leg maintains the required position for 5 seconds without drift, the score is 0 regardless of gait findings.

Question 5

For NIHSS leg motor testing, what duration must the leg hold at 30° to receive a score of 0?

Accepted Answer

5 seconds

Answer

The leg must hold at 30° for 5 seconds without drift to achieve a score of 0 on Items 6a/6b.

NIHSS - National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Practice Test