Table 1.

Grading for the Airway Care Score.

Grading	Cough to suction	Sputum quantity	Sputum character	Sputum viscosity	Suctioning frequency
0	Vigorous	None	Clear	Watery	> 3 hours
1	Moderate	1 pass	Tan	Frothy	Every 2 to 3 hours
2	Weak	2 passes	Yellow	Thick	Every 1 to 2 hours
3	None	≥ 3 passes	Green	Tenacious	< Every 1 hour

Passes refers to number of passes of a suctioning catheter that is required to clear the endotracheal tube of secretions. The total score is the summation of all grades.