Riker Sedation-Agitation Scale (SAS)
Single 7-point clinical score of sedation–agitation in adult ICU patients (Riker 1999). Target SAS 3–4 typical for routine sedation.
Score interpretation
→ Reduce sedative infusions; consider daily sedation hold; assess for delirium with CAM-ICU.
→ Maintain. Reassess hourly and titrate to lightest tolerable level.
→ Address pain (CPOT/BPS), bladder, hypoxia, delirium triggers; reorientate; consider dexmedetomidine; small benzodiazepine bolus only if necessary.
→ Immediate sedative bolus (propofol or dexmedetomidine); ensure airway/IV access protected; rule out hypoxia, hypoglycaemia, intracranial event; consider physical restraint with documented review per local policy.
Interpretation bands for the Riker SAS. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Propofol · Anaesthetic (IV Induction / Sedation)
- Ketamine (Anaesthesia/Sedation) · Dissociative Anaesthetic (NMDA Receptor Antagonist)
- Remimazolam · Ultra-Short Acting Benzodiazepine (Procedural Sedation)
- Midazolam (Paediatric) · Benzodiazepine — Status Epilepticus (First-Line) / Procedural Sedation
- Ketamine · Dissociative Anaesthetic / Procedural Sedation
- Ketamine (Procedural Sedation / Burns) · Dissociative anaesthetic / analgesic
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.