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.