NIHSS Score Administration and Interpretation 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum possible total score on the NIHSS?
- 38
- 40
- 42 (Correct answer)
- 45
Correct answer: 42
The NIHSS has a maximum total score of 42, achieved when all 15 items receive the highest possible scores.
Question 2: An NIHSS score of 0 indicates which of the following?
- No stroke symptoms (Correct answer)
- Minor neurological deficit
- Transient ischemic attack
- Mild aphasia
Correct answer: No stroke symptoms
A score of 0 on the NIHSS indicates no detectable stroke symptoms or neurological deficits.
Question 3: How many total items does the complete NIHSS assessment include?
- 11
- 13
- 15 (Correct answer)
- 18
Correct answer: 15
The NIHSS comprises 15 items, including separate bilateral assessments for motor arm (5a/5b) and motor leg (6a/6b).
Question 4: An NIHSS score of 1-4 classifies a stroke as which severity level?
- No deficit
- Minor (Correct answer)
- Moderate
- Severe
Correct answer: Minor
NIHSS scores of 1-4 indicate a minor stroke with limited neurological deficits.
Question 5: Which NIHSS score range indicates a moderate stroke?
- 1-4
- 3-10
- 5-15 (Correct answer)
- 12-18
Correct answer: 5-15
NIHSS scores of 5-15 classify a stroke as moderate, indicating significant but not catastrophic neurological impairment.
Question 6: Which NIHSS score range represents a moderate-to-severe stroke?
- 10-15
- 14-20
- 16-20 (Correct answer)
- 18-25
Correct answer: 16-20
NIHSS scores of 16-20 classify a stroke as moderate-to-severe, representing substantial neurological compromise.
Question 7: A patient with an NIHSS score of 25 would be classified as having which type of stroke?
- Moderate
- Moderate-to-severe
- Severe (Correct answer)
- Critical-catastrophic
Correct answer: Severe
Any NIHSS score of 21-42 classifies a stroke as severe, reflecting major neurological deficits.
NIHSS Score Administration and Interpretation 1
What is the maximum possible total score on the NIHSS?