NIHSS Neurological 4

Question 1

When performing NIHSS Item 6 (Motor Leg), for how many seconds must the patient hold the leg at 30 degrees?

Accepted Answer

5 seconds

Answer

The leg is held at 30 degrees for 5 seconds; any drift or fall within that time indicates weakness.

Question 2

A patient cannot speak but appropriately shakes their head yes/no and follows commands. What NIHSS aphasia score applies?

Accepted Answer

1

Answer

Score 1 reflects mild-to-moderate aphasia; the patient can communicate via alternative means despite verbal limitations.

Question 3

On NIHSS, if a patient has a prosthetic eye, how should the examiner approach Item 3 (Visual)?

Accepted Answer

Test the intact eye only and score based on that eye's fields

Answer

Visual fields of the intact eye are tested, and the score reflects findings from that eye.

Question 4

Which NIHSS item is scored differently for patients who are intubated versus non-intubated?

Accepted Answer

Item 9 (Dysarthria)

Answer

Item 9 has a specific notation (score 3 = UN) for intubated patients who cannot be tested for dysarthria.

Question 5

A stroke patient shows right-sided facial droop affecting both upper and lower face equally. The NIHSS facial palsy score should be:

Accepted Answer

3

Answer

Score 3 on facial palsy indicates complete paralysis of one or both sides of the face with no movement.

NIHSS - National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Practice Test