🛏️ Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS)
Quantify sedation and agitation with the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS).
Clinical takeaway
Targets are usually 0 to −2 for most ventilated patients.
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When to use
Titrate sedation and screen for delirium in critically ill patients.
How it works
Scale from +4 (combative) through 0 (alert and calm) to −5 (unarousable).
Key points
- Targets are usually 0 to −2 for most ventilated patients.
- Prerequisite for CAM-ICU delirium assessment.
- Reassess regularly to avoid over-sedation.
References
Decision support for licensed clinicians only; not a substitute for clinical judgement, diagnosis or local protocols.
Worked calculation
The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.
| Level | +4 Combative |
|---|
→RASS+4
- Target：Most ventilated patients are targeted to 0 to −2 (light sedation) unless deeper sedation is indicated.
| Level | −5 Unarousable |
|---|
→RASS-5
- Target：Most ventilated patients are targeted to 0 to −2 (light sedation) unless deeper sedation is indicated.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS)?
- Quantify sedation and agitation with the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS).
- How is Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) calculated? What is the core formula?
- Scale from +4 (combative) through 0 (alert and calm) to −5 (unarousable).
- When is Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) used?
- Titrate sedation and screen for delirium in critically ill patients.
- What are the key clinical points for Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS)?
- Targets are usually 0 to −2 for most ventilated patients. Prerequisite for CAM-ICU delirium assessment. Reassess regularly to avoid over-sedation.
- What are the limits and cautions when using Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS)?
- For licensed clinicians and clinical researchers. Interpret results with history, investigations and local protocols; not a diagnosis or prescription, and not a substitute for multidisciplinary decision-making or local guidelines.
- How is Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
- Inputs: Level +4 Combative → Result: RASS +4（Target: Most ventilated patients are targeted to 0 to −2 (light sedation) unless deeper sedation is indicated.） Inputs: Level −5 Unarousable → Result: RASS -5（Target: Most ventilated patients are targeted to 0 to −2 (light sedation) unless deeper sedation is indicated.）