Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS)
Assesses the level of sedation and agitation in critically ill patients to adjust sedation therapy.
Clinical parameters
Clinical context
RASS is designed for ICU sedation/agitation monitoring. Current PADIS guidance favors protocolized sedation assessment with a target of light sedation for most mechanically ventilated adults (often around RASS -2 to 0), unless deeper sedation is clinically indicated (for example, severe ventilator dyssynchrony, neuromuscular blockade, or intracranial indications). Evaluate reversible causes of agitation (pain, hypoxemia, delirium, withdrawal) before escalating sedatives.