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Specifications Manual for Joint Commission National Quality Measures (v2016B1)
Home » NIHSS Score Documented Closest to IV Thrombolytic Initiation

Release Notes:
Data Element
Version 2016B1

Data Element Name: NIHSS Score Documented Closest to IV Thrombolytic Initiation
Collected For: CSTK-05,
Definition:The NIHSS score documented closest to IV thrombolytic initiation is the last NIHSS score documented prior to IV thrombolytic initiation at this hospital. The NIHSS measures several aspects of brain function, including consciousness, vision, sensation, movement, speech, and language.
Suggested Data Collection Question:What is the last NIHSS score documented prior to initiation of IV thrombolytic therapy at this hospital?
Format:
Length:3
Type:Alphanumeric
Occurs:1
Allowable Values:


Score = 0-42
UTD = Unable to Determine
Notes for Abstraction:
  • The NIHSS score may be documented by the physician/APN/PA or nurse (RN).
  • Look for the last NIHSS score documented prior to IV thrombolytic initiation at this hospital.
    Examples:
    • “Initial NIHSS score 4 documented by the ED nurse at this hospital. “No other NIHSS scores were documented prior to IV t-PA initiation.” Select ‘4’.
    • “Symptoms resolved by time of hospital arrival at 1200. Initial NIHSS score zero documented in ED. Symptoms returned at 1330, NIHSS score 2, and IV t-PA given at 1338.” Select ‘2’.
    • “Patient transferred to this hospital. NIHSS score 10 done at transferring hospital. No NIHSS score documented at this hospital prior to IV t-PA.” Select ‘10’.
    • “Nurse documented NIHSS score 8 via telemedicine prior to arrival at this hospital. IV t-PA initiated at 1712. NIHSS score 2 at 1800.” Select ‘8’.
  • For purposes of this data element, score documentation between 0 and 42 is acceptable. Only one score may be selected. Select the last NIHSS score documented prior to IV Thrombolytic Initiation Time at this hospital
  • If only one NIHSS score is documented prior to IV thrombolytic initiation and no other score(s) are available for comparison, enter the value for that score.
  • If no NIHSS score is documented prior to IV thrombolytic initiation, select “UTD”.
  • If unable to determine the last NIHSS score documented prior to IV thrombolytic initiation, select “UTD”.

Suggested Data Sources:

  • Consultation notes
  • History and physical
  • Nursing flow sheet
  • Progress notes
  • Transfer sheet
  • Admitting note
  • Ambulance record
  • Emerency room records
  • Nursing assessment
Additional Notes:
Guidelines for Abstraction:
Inclusion Exclusion
None
  • Modified NIHSS scores
  • Estimated NIHSS scores
  • Scoring methodologies other than NIHSS

NIHSS Score Documented Closest to IV Thrombolytic Initiation
Specifications Manual for Joint Commission National Quality Measures (v2016B1)
Discharges 01-01-17 (1Q17) through 06-30-17 (2Q17)
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