NIHSS Neurological 5

Question 1

A patient has no verbal output, does not follow commands, and eyes open only to pain. What LOC (Item 1a) score is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

2

Answer

Score 2 reflects stupor — the patient requires repeated or painful stimulation to make non-stereotyped movements.

Question 2

The NIHSS Item 10 (Best Language/Aphasia) asks the patient to describe a picture, name items, and read sentences. What does the picture description primarily test?

Accepted Answer

Comprehension and expression

Answer

Describing the cookie theft picture tests both language comprehension and expressive language simultaneously.

Question 3

On the NIHSS, which item can a trained non-physician certified examiner administer?

Accepted Answer

All 15 items after certification

Answer

After completing NIHSS certification training, nurses, therapists, and other allied health professionals can administer all 15 items.

Question 4

A patient repeatedly ignores objects presented on the left side when both sides are stimulated simultaneously. Which NIHSS item captures this finding?

Accepted Answer

Item 11 (Extinction/Inattention)

Answer

Item 11 specifically measures extinction and inattention detected by simultaneous bilateral sensory or visual stimulation.

Question 5

What is the correct arm position for testing NIHSS Item 5 (Motor Arm) in a supine patient unable to sit?

Accepted Answer

45 degrees

Answer

In a supine patient, the arm is held at 45 degrees; if sitting, 90 degrees is used for the motor arm test.

NIHSS - National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Practice Test

NIHSS - National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Practice Test

NIHSS Neurological 5