Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) Assessment

Assesses level of sedation/agitation in ICU patients using the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS). Range: +4 (combative) to −5 (unarousable). Target RASS −1 to 0 for most mechanically ventilated patients (light sedation). RASS −2 acceptable for procedure tolerance. RASS −3 to −5 only for specific indications (ARDS prone, severe ICP, status epilepticus). Validated tool used to guide sedation titration.