| ~Initial Assessment | |
| RDAI Score (Range 0-17) | |
| Resp. Rate | |
| ~Subsequent Assessment | |
| RDAI Score (Range 0-17) | |
| Resp. Rate | |
The Respiratory Assessment Change Score (RACS) is a calculation made based upon the change in the Respiratory Distress Assessment Instrument (RDAI) score multiplied by a factor based upon improvement in Respiratory Rate (RR).
The RDAI score is utilized to assess infants and children with bronchiolitis or asthma. This score is usually repeated over time (often at 4 hour interval), usually to track the effect of medical care on the patient's status.
To use the RACS score, an initial and subsequent RDAI score is required as is the initial and subsequent RR.
The RACS score is ONLY valid in situations of improvement in the RDAI and a decrease in the Respiratory Rate (RR) with treatment.
The RACS score is the sum of change in the RDAI score and point scoring system for the decrease in Respiratory Rate (RR) between the initial rate to the reassessment rate:
| Pts | %Reduction in RR |
|---|---|
| 1 | 5-15% |
| 2 | 16-25% |
| 3 | 26-35% |
| 4 | 36-45% |
| 5 | 46-55% |
| 6 | 56-65% |
| 7 | 66-75% |
| 8 | 76-85% |
Thus a negative RACS score indicates improvement (as the change in RDAI is a negative value); with the magnitude of negativity being significant.
Information on the RDAI Score
Each symptom is scored and the points are added to receive and RDAI score between 0 and 17.
Wheezing (Expiratory)
Wheezing (Inspiratory)
Wheezing # of Lung Fields *
Retractions (Supraclavicular)
Retractions (Intercostal)
Retractions (Subcostal)
* Lung Fields have a possible maximum of 4 as this is referring to upper and lower then Right or Left.
The items are summed to receive a total score of 0-17 which is then reported as that RDAI Score. The higher the score, the more severely affected the child.
References: