Assessment of sedation depth in critically ill adults using the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale
Abstract
Subjects undergoing mechanical ventilation are frequently sedated, thus it is relevant to assess the level of sedation. The Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) is one of the tools yielding the highest psychometric scores to assess the level of sedation. The assessment begins by observing if subjects have their eyes open or closed, assigning positive or negative scores. We analyse subjects’ movements and behavioural responses to determine positive scores. Audible and tactile stimuli are administered and subjects’ responses are considered to determine negative scores.
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