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Table 1 The Sedation–Agitation Scale

From: Remifentanil versus fentanyl for analgesia based sedation to provide patient comfort in the intensive care unit: a randomized, double-blind controlled trial [ISRCTN43755713]

Score

Description

Example

7

Dangerous agitation

Pulling at endotracheal tube, trying to remove catheters, climbing over bedrails, thrashing from side to side, striking at staff

6

Very agitated

Patient does not calm down in response to verbal instructions or reassurance, requires physical restraint, biting endotracheal tube

5

Agitated

Anxious or agitated but calms down in response to verbal instructions or reassurance

4

Calm, cooperative

Calm, easily rousable, follows commands

3

Sedated

Difficult to rouse, awakens to verbal stimuli or gentle shaking but drifts off again, will follow simple commands

2

Very sedated

Can be roused by physical stimuli but does not communicate or follow commands, may move spontaneously

1

Not rousable

May move or grimace minimally to stimuli but does not communicate or follow commands