Critical Care
Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) & ICU Sedation Protocol
Evaluates RASS (-5 to +4) to titrate sedative infusions, prevent delirium, and guide Spontaneous Awakening Trials (SAT).
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Parameters
Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) & ICU Sedation Protocol Result
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Formula
RASS Score: Scale of -5 (Unarousable) to +4 (Combative)
Optimal PADIS ICU Target: RASS 0 (Alert & Calm) to -1 (Drowsy, sustained eye contact ≥ 10s)Clinical Pearls
Mandated quality metric in critical care nursing and physician rounds to prevent oversedation and safely titrate ICU infusions.
Limitations
Neuromuscular blocking agents (paralytics) render RASS uninterpretable; continuous EEG (e.g. BIS monitoring) is required if paralyzed.