NIHSS Sensory Testing 2

Question 1

A patient with a brainstem stroke has decreased sensation on both sides of the body. How should NIHSS Item 8 be scored?

Accepted Answer

Score 2 because severe bilateral sensory loss applies

Answer

Bilateral sensory loss from brainstem stroke scores 2 (severe to total sensory loss) because the patient cannot feel pinprick on both sides.

Question 2

When performing NIHSS sensory testing, which tool is the standard stimulus used to assess sensation?

Accepted Answer

Pinprick or broken wooden applicator

Answer

A pinprick or the sharp end of a broken wooden applicator stick is the standard stimulus for NIHSS sensory testing.

Question 3

A comatose patient cannot respond to any sensory stimulation. What NIHSS Item 8 score is assigned?

Accepted Answer

2 — no response indicates severe/total sensory loss

Answer

A comatose patient who shows no response to noxious stimulation is scored 2 for severe to total sensory loss.

Question 4

During sensory testing, a patient reports feeling the pinprick less sharply on the right arm compared to the left. The right face and leg feel equal. What is the score?

Accepted Answer

1

Answer

Mild-to-moderate sensory loss in one area (right arm) that is not severe scores a 1 on NIHSS Item 8.

Question 5

Which body regions should be tested during NIHSS sensory assessment?

Accepted Answer

Face, arm, trunk, and leg

Answer

NIHSS sensory testing includes the face, arm, trunk, and leg to map the distribution of sensory loss.

NIHSS - National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Practice Test

NIHSS - National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Practice Test

NIHSS Sensory Testing 2