section name header

Table 1.19

Riker Sedation-Agitation Scale

ScoreLevelClinical Presentation
7Dangerous agitationPulling at ET tube, trying to remove catheters, climbing over bed rail, striking out at staff, thrashing side to side
6Very agitatedDoes not calm despite frequent verbal reminding of limits, biting ET tube, requires physical restraints
5AgitatedAnxious or mildly agitated, attempting to sit up but calms down to verbal instructions
4CalmCooperative, awakens easily, follows commands
3SedatedDifficult to arouse, awakens to verbal stimuli or gentle shaking but drifts off again. Follows simple commands
2Very sedatedArouses to physical stimuli but does not communicate or follow commands. May move spontaneously
1UnarousableMinimal or no response to noxious stimuli; does not communicate or follow any commands