Which statement best describes a patient with a RASS score of +3?

• A. Combative, violent, immediate danger to self or others
• B. Restless, anxious, apprehensive but not yet agitated
• C. Alert and calm
• D. Very agitated, aggressive, concern for future violence

Answer: (D)

Understanding the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) is essential: positive numbers indicate increasing agitation. A score of +3 means the patient is very agitated and may be aggressive, with potential risk to staff or others. This level goes beyond simple restlessness or anxiousness and signals a real safety concern that often requires de-escalation efforts and safety precautions, and possibly pharmacologic intervention per protocol. The statement that describes “Very agitated, aggressive, concern for future violence” matches this level of agitation best. The other descriptions align with lower levels or different states (for example, +4 would be combative and more dangerous, 0 is alert and calm, and +1 or +2 describe lesser degrees of agitation).