Table 2.

The Modified Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale (mRASS).^a

Wake patient and gather attention
State patient’s name, ask patient to open eyes and look at the speaker
Ask open-ended question and observe response
“Describe how you are feeling today”
If the answer is short (<10 seconds), cue with another   open-ended question
If no response to verbal cue, provide physical stimulation   by shaking shoulder
Score mRASS scale
−5	Unarousable
−4	Can’t stay awake
−3	Difficult to wake
−2	Wakes slowly
−1	Wakes easily
0	Alert and calm
+1	Restless
+2	Slightly agitated
+3	Very agitated
+4	Combative

^a Adapted from Chester, Beth Harrington, and Rudolph .¹