Sedation-Agitation Scale
Describes sedation and agitation in critically ill patients across seven levels.
When to use
Serial assessment of sedation and agitation in adults in intensive care.
Pearls and pitfalls
- Level 4 is the calm and cooperative patient, usually the target during mechanical ventilation.
- Levels 1 to 3 indicate excessive sedation; levels 5 to 7 indicate increasing agitation.
- The scale does not replace assessment of delirium, pain or withdrawal.
Fill in the fields to see the result.
Formula
Choose the level matching observed behavior, from 1 to 7.
Evidence
Seven level scale prospectively evaluated in critically ill patients, with good interrater reliability in the original study.
References
- Riker RR, Picard JT, Fraser GL. Prospective evaluation of the Sedation-Agitation Scale for adult critically ill patients. Crit Care Med. 1999;27(7):1325-1329. doi:10.1097/00003246-199907000-00022
Frequently asked questions
What is Sedation-Agitation Scale?
Describes sedation and agitation in critically ill patients across seven levels. Serial assessment of sedation and agitation in adults in intensive care.
How is the result calculated?
Choose the level matching observed behavior, from 1 to 7.
How should the result be interpreted?
Seven level scale prospectively evaluated in critically ill patients, with good interrater reliability in the original study.
What are the sources?
Riker RR, Picard JT, Fraser GL. Prospective evaluation of the Sedation-Agitation Scale for adult critically ill patients. Crit Care Med. 1999;27(7):1325-1329.