NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) - Actual Exam & Practice Test Latest 2025 Updated Questions & Verified Answers Guaranteed Pass & A+ Graded 1b. The patient is asked the month and his/her age. The answer must be correct - there is no partial credit for being close. Aphasic and stuporous patients who do not comprehend the questions will score 2. It is important that only the initial answer be graded and that the examiner not "help" the patient with verbal or non-verbal cue. 1c. The patient is asked to open and close the eyes and then to grip and release the non-paretic hand. If the patient does not respond to command, the task should be demonstrated to him or her (pantomime), and the result scored (i.e., follows none, one or two commands) What are the results? - CORRECT ANSWER 0 = Alert; keenly responsive. 1 = Not alert; but arousable by minor stimulation to obey, answer, or respond. 2 = Not alert; requires repeated stimulation to attend, or is obtunded and requires strong or painful stimulation to make movements (not stereotyped). 3 = Responds only with reflex motor or autonomic effects or totally unresponsive, flaccid, and areflexic. 0 = Answers both