RASS Sedation Scale Calculator

RASS Sedation Scale Explanation and Clinical Context The RASS sedation scale is a validated and widely used instrument to assess level of sedation and agitation in critical care settings. The scale spans from minus five to plus four and is oriented on the presence and degree of arousal and purposeful movement. A score of minus five indicates an unarousable state.

Values from minus four to minus one denote progressively lighter sedation. Zero denotes an alert and calm patient. Positive values denote increasing agitation and potential danger to patient or staff.

Regular use of the scale supports targeted sedation to avoid oversedation and to detect acute agitation. Clinical decisions should integrate the RASS result with assessment of pain respiratory status neurologic status and medication regimen. Reference Sessler CN et al.

The Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale RASS Validity and Reliability in Critically Ill Patients. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 2002 166 1338 1344.