NIHSS Score Administration and Interpretation 3

Question 1

NIHSS item 1a (Level of Consciousness) is scored on which range?

Accepted Answer

0-3

Answer

NIHSS item 1a scores from 0 (alert and keenly responsive) to 3 (responds only with reflex or autonomic effects), reflecting the full continuum of consciousness.

Question 2

What is the maximum combined score from the two motor arm items (5a and 5b) on the NIHSS?

Accepted Answer

8

Answer

Each motor arm item (left arm 5a and right arm 5b) is scored 0-4; combined, the maximum possible score from both arms is 8.

Question 3

On NIHSS motor items, a score of 4 indicates which finding?

Accepted Answer

No movement

Answer

A score of 4 on NIHSS motor items indicates no movement whatsoever in the tested extremity.

Question 4

Which two questions are asked during NIHSS item 1b (LOC Questions)?

Accepted Answer

Current month and patient's age

Answer

Item 1b asks patients to state the current month and their own age; one point is scored for each incorrect answer.

Question 5

In NIHSS item 1c (LOC Commands), which two actions is the patient asked to perform?

Accepted Answer

Open/close eyes and grip/release the non-paretic hand

Answer

Item 1c instructs the patient to open and close their eyes, then to grip and release the examiner's hand on the non-paretic side.

NIHSS - National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Practice Test

NIHSS - National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Practice Test

NIHSS Score Administration and Interpretation 3