What does a RASS score of -5 indicate?

A RASS score of -5 indicates a state of unarousable sedation. The Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) is used to assess a patient's level of consciousness and sedation. In this scale, scores are assigned based on the patient’s ability to respond or be aroused.

A score of -5 specifically denotes that the patient is completely unresponsive to external stimuli, meaning that they do not respond to verbal commands or any physical stimuli, such as shaking or pinching. This level of sedation is critical to identify in order to manage patient care effectively. In clinical practice, recognizing a score of -5 is essential for ensuring that appropriate safety measures and monitoring protocols are in place to protect the patient’s well-being.

The other score ranges indicate varying levels of awareness and responsiveness, but none reflect the profound unresponsiveness that a score of -5 signifies. Hence, it underscores the importance of understanding RASS for assessing patient sedation levels accurately in the context of patient care protocols.