At what point is it essential to reassess NIHSS score?

Reassessing the NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) score after every shift change is essential because it ensures that there is a continuous and accurate evaluation of the patient's neurological status over time. The NIHSS score is a systematic assessment that helps clinicians gauge the severity of a stroke and monitor changes in the patient's condition. Shift changes are critical times when new healthcare providers take over care, and having an updated NIHSS score allows them to quickly understand the patient's current level of function and any changes that may have occurred since the last assessment.

In contrast, only reassessing during critical phases of treatment, daily evaluations, or only during patient transfers may not provide the comprehensive and timely monitoring needed to effectively manage a stroke patient. Continuous assessment is vital in stroke care, as timely recognition of changes in a patient's condition can substantially impact treatment decisions and outcomes. Therefore, making it a standard practice to reassess the NIHSS score with each shift change best supports the goal of optimal patient management.