Table 1.
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.