What do positive RASS scores indicate?

Positive RASS (Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale) scores indicate increasing levels of agitation. The RASS is a scale used to assess a patient's sedation and agitation levels in a clinical setting. A positive score on the RASS means that the patient is exhibiting behaviors consistent with agitation, such as being overly alert, irritable, or distressed. This is contrasted with negative scores, which indicate sedation or decreased responsiveness. Understanding these scores is essential for appropriate patient care and management, especially in critical care settings or during sedation assessments.

In this context, monitoring RASS scores helps healthcare providers make informed decisions regarding sedation management, allowing them to balance the patient's comfort and safety effectively.