Riker Sedation-Agitation Scale

7

Dangerous agitation

Tries to remove monitors and devices or climb out of bed; tosses and turns; lashes out at staff

6

Very agitated

Remains restless despite frequent verbal reassurance; bites endotracheal tube; requires restraint

5

Agitated

Anxious or restless; attempts to move; calms down with reassurance

4

Calm and cooperative

Calm; easy to arouse; able to follow instructions

3

Sedated

Difficult to awaken; responds to verbal prompts or gentle shaking but drifts off again

2

Very sedated

Incommunicative; responds to physical stimuli but not verbal instructions; may move spontaneously

1

Unarousable

Incommunicative; little or no response to painful stimuli