RASS) is an instrument designed to assess the level of alertness, agitation & sedation level in criticallyill patients

As opposed to GCS, the RASS is not limited to patients with intracranial processes



Structure & Description


The RASS can be administered in a little as 3060 seconds

Scoring is based on observation, and response to auditory and physical stimulation.



The RASS is a 10point scale ranging from 5 to +4.

Levels 1 to 5 denote 5 levels of sedation, ....starting with “awakens to voice” .....and ending with “unarousable.”

Levels +1 to +4 describe increasing levels of agitation.

The lowest level of agitation starts with apprehension and anxiety, and peaks at combative and violent.

RASS level 0 is “alert and calm.”




When this scale should be used

The RASS can be used in all hospitalized patients to describe their level of alertness or agitation.

It is however mostly used in mechanically ventilated patients in order to avoid over and undersedation.

The scale also Guides sedation therapy to better meet patients’ titration needs