richmond_agitation_sedation_scale: Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS)

In cliot: Clinical Indices and Outcomes Tools

Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS)

Description

Calculates the RASS score, a validated tool to assess the level of sedation and agitation in hospitalized patients. It uses a logic-based approach starting with observation of behavior, followed by response to voice, and finally response to physical stimulation.

Usage

richmond_agitation_sedation_scale(observed_behavior,
                                  voice_stimulation = "not_applicable",
                                  physical_stimulation = "not_applicable")

Arguments

observed_behavior	String. The patient's spontaneous behavior. Options: "combative" (+4) "very_agitated" (+3) "agitated" (+2) "restless" (+1) "alert_and_calm" (0) "not_alert" (Proceed to voice stimulation)
voice_stimulation	String. Response to verbal stimulation (e.g., calling name, asking to open eyes). Required if observed_behavior is "not_alert". Options: "eye_contact_gt_10s" (-1) "eye_contact_lt_10s" (-2) "movement_no_eye_contact" (-3) "no_response" (Proceed to physical stimulation) "not_applicable" (Default)
physical_stimulation	String. Response to physical stimulation (e.g., shoulder shake, sternal rub). Required if no response to voice. Options: "movement_or_eye_opening" (-4) "no_response" (-5) "not_applicable" (Default)

Value

A list containing:

RASS_Score	The calculated score (integer from -5 to +4).
Term	The clinical term associated with the score (e.g., "Light Sedation").
Description	Detailed description of the patient's state.

References

Sessler CN, Gosnell MS, Grap MJ, et al. The Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale: validity and reliability in adult intensive care unit patients. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2002;166(10):1338-1344. doi:10.1164/rccm.2107138

Examples

# Example 1: Agitated Patient
# Patient is fighting the ventilator
richmond_agitation_sedation_scale("agitated")

# Example 2: Light Sedation
# Patient is not alert, makes eye contact for < 10 seconds to voice
richmond_agitation_sedation_scale("not_alert", "eye_contact_lt_10s")

# Example 3: Unarousable
# Patient not alert, no response to voice, no response to physical stim
richmond_agitation_sedation_scale("not_alert", "no_response", "no_response")

cliot documentation built on Dec. 1, 2025, 1:06 a.m.