Pasero sedation scale (POSS)
S: sleeping, easy to rouse — acceptable 1: awake and alert — acceptable 2: slightly drowsy, easy to rouse — acceptable 3: frequently drowsy, drifts off during conversation — unacceptable, reduce the dose and monitor closely 4: somnolent, minimal or no response to stimulation — unacceptable, stop the opioid, consider naloxone, call for help Sedation rises before the respiratory rate falls: assess sedation at every check.