Critical care: sedation scale: practice question

A Anaesthesia question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Anaesthesia · Critical care: sedation scale

Sample item

On the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale, which score represents a patient who is unarousable?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Minus 5

The RASS runs from plus 4 (combative) to minus 5 (unarousable), with zero as alert and calm. Light sedation, usually minus 1 to zero, is the preferred target in most ventilated patients. Deep sedation is used only for specific indications.

Option by option

  • A. Minus 1

    Minus 1 is drowsy but awakens to voice.

  • B. Zero

    Zero is alert and calm.

  • C. Minus 5 (correct)

    Correct. Minus 5 means no response to voice or physical stimulation.

  • D. Plus 4

    Plus 4 is combative.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Anaesthesia question

What is the answer to this Anaesthesia question?

The best answer is C, Minus 5. The RASS runs from plus 4 (combative) to minus 5 (unarousable), with zero as alert and calm.

Why is "Minus 1" not the answer?

Minus 1 is drowsy but awakens to voice.

Why is "Zero" not the answer?

Zero is alert and calm.

Why is "Plus 4" not the answer?

Plus 4 is combative.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Critical care: sedation scale in Anaesthesia. Light sedation, usually minus 1 to zero, is the preferred target in most ventilated patients. Deep sedation is used only for specific indications.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Critical care: sedation scale?

Make a table of each agent, its key advantage and its main side effect. Then use the flashcards and the other Anaesthesia questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.