Purpose: The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model was proposed by the World Health Organization for enhancing interdisciplinary communication. The purpose of this study was to examine the functional status of acute stroke patients using ICF core sets-short form. Methods: A set of 15 ICF items on functional status was used by nurses for their daily nursing assessment on functional status in 44 acute stroke patients in a university hospital. Results: The highest level of function was "consciousness", while the lowest was "defecation". Compared with functional status on the first day, consciousness, ingestion, language (mental), and defecation functions were significantly improved on the 14th day. However, there was no significant changes in items on activity and participation or environmental functions. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the function-specific nursing interventions for acute stroke patients need to be developed. Future research needs to test the usefulness of ICF items as an measurement tool.