Table 1 Definition of Sedation–Agitation Scale scores*

1

Patient is not rousable

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

2

Patient is very sedated

Patient can be roused by physical stimuli but does not communicate or follow commands; may move spontaneously

3

Patient is sedated

Patient is difficult to rouse, awakens to verbal stimuli or gentle shaking but drifts off again; will follow simple commands