POSS (Pasero Opioid-induced Sedation Scale)
Pasero Opioid-induced Sedation Scale (Pasero 2009): a single level S/1/2/3/4 (entered 0-4); S-2 acceptable, 3 and 4 trigger the named opioid-titration actions.
Open the calculator → Runs in your browser. Data leaves only if you deliberately send a problem report from the interactive tool.
Example
- Sedation level
- 1
Result: POSS 1: awake and alert. Acceptable; opioid dosing may proceed.
The tool opens with these values already filled in. Replace them with your own.
What the result means
- S / 1 / 2
- Acceptable - opioid dosing may proceed.
- 3
- Unacceptable - decrease opioid 25-50%, add non-opioid, monitor closely.
- 4
- Unacceptable - stop opioid, consider naloxone, call rapid response.
What you enter
- Sedation level (0 = S, 1, 2, 3, 4)
How this is calculated
Pasero C. Assessment of sedation during opioid administration for pain management. J Perianesth Nurs. 2009;24(3):186-190. Read the source ↗
A reference and educational tool. Not medical, legal, or financial advice, and not a substitute for clinician judgment.