Stroke Assessment NIHSS Checklist
Comprehensive stroke assessment using the NIH Stroke Scale including consciousness, motor function, sensory, and language assessment.
- Industry: Healthcare
- Frequency: Per assessment
- Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes
- Role: Stroke Team/Nurse
- Total Items: 29
- Compliance: AHA/ASA Stroke Guidelines, Joint Commission Stroke Certification, NIH Stroke Scale
Level of Consciousness
LOC assessment
- LOC responsiveness assessed (0-3)?
- LOC questions assessed (0-2)?
- LOC commands assessed (0-2)?
Gaze and Visual
Eye movements and vision
- Best gaze assessed (0-2)?
- Visual fields assessed (0-3)?
Facial and Motor
Facial palsy and motor strength
- Facial palsy assessed (0-3)?
- Left arm motor assessed (0-4)?
- Right arm motor assessed (0-4)?
- Left leg motor assessed (0-4)?
- Right leg motor assessed (0-4)?
Ataxia and Sensory
Coordination and sensation
- Limb ataxia assessed (0-2)?
- Sensory assessed (0-2)?
Language
Communication assessment
- Best language assessed (0-3)?
- Dysarthria assessed (0-2)?
- Extinction/inattention assessed (0-2)?
Pre-Assessment Information
Initial assessment documentation and patient/facility identification
- Assessor Name / Credentials
- Assessment Date
- Department / Unit
- Assessment Type (Routine/Annual/Complaint)
- Previous assessment findings reviewed?
Infection Prevention & Control
Verify infection control practices per CDC and Joint Commission standards
- Hand hygiene compliance observed?
- Appropriate PPE available and properly used?
- Isolation precautions properly implemented?
- Sharps containers available and not overfilled?
- High-touch surfaces properly disinfected?
Patient Safety & Identification
Verify patient safety protocols and identification procedures
- Two patient identifiers used before procedures?
- Fall risk assessment completed?
- Call light within patient reach?
- Bed in lowest position with brakes locked?
Related Healthcare Checklists
- Emergency Department Triage Assessment Checklist
- Critical Lab Value Notification Checklist
- Care Coordination Transition Checklist
- Contrast Media Administration Safety Checklist
- Hand Hygiene Compliance Audit Checklist
- Patient Transport Safety Checklist
- Restraint-Free Environment Assessment Checklist
- Pediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS) Checklist
Related Clinical Operations Checklists
- Hand Hygiene Compliance - FREE Download
- Medication Safety Check - FREE Download
- Surgical Safety Checklist - FREE Download
- Fall Prevention Assessment - FREE Download
- Infection Control Audit - FREE Download
- Patient Identification Verification - FREE Download
- Safe Discharge Checklist - FREE Download
- Code Blue Readiness - FREE Download
- Pressure Ulcer Prevention - FREE Download
- Restraint Monitoring - FREE Download
Why Use This Stroke Assessment NIHSS Checklist?
This stroke assessment nihss checklist helps healthcare teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for stroke team/nurse professionals, this checklist covers 29 critical inspection points across 8 sections. Recommended frequency: per assessment.
Ensures compliance with AHA/ASA Stroke Guidelines, Joint Commission Stroke Certification, NIH Stroke Scale. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Stroke Assessment NIHSS Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 29 inspection items across 8 sections: Level of Consciousness, Gaze and Visual, Facial and Motor, Ataxia and Sensory, Language, Pre-Assessment Information, Infection Prevention & Control, Patient Safety & Identification. It is designed for healthcare operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed per assessment. Each completion takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
Who should use this Stroke Assessment NIHSS Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Stroke Team/Nurse professionals in the healthcare industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.