Scribd
Upload
289 views1 page

Pittsburgh Agitation Scale Overview

This document describes the Pittsburgh Agitation Scale, which is used to rate and monitor levels of agitation in patients. It includes four behavior groups - aberrant vocalization, motor agitation, aggressiveness, and resisting care - each rated on a scale from 0 to 4 based on the intensity and disruptiveness of behaviors observed. Additional interventions used, such as seclusion, PRN meds, or restraints, are also noted. The scale provides a standardized way for healthcare professionals to assess and track changes in a patient's agitated behaviors over time.

Uploaded by

44 Keerthana M
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
289 views1 page

Pittsburgh Agitation Scale Overview

This document describes the Pittsburgh Agitation Scale, which is used to rate and monitor levels of agitation in patients. It includes four behavior groups - aberrant vocalization, motor agitation, aggressiveness, and resisting care - each rated on a scale from 0 to 4 based on the intensity and disruptiveness of behaviors observed. Additional interventions used, such as seclusion, PRN meds, or restraints, are also noted. The scale provides a standardized way for healthcare professionals to assess and track changes in a patient's agitated behaviors over time.

Uploaded by

44 Keerthana M
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

PITTSBURGH AGITATION SCALE

Patient’s Name: ______________________________ Rater’s Name: ________________________


Patient ID: ______________ Date: _________ Time: _______ AM/PM to _______ AM/PM
Hours of sleep this rating period: _______
Circle only the highest intensity score for each behavior group that you observed during this rating period.
Use the anchor points as a guide to choose a suitable level of severity. (Not all anchor points need be present.
Choose the more severe level when in doubt.)

Behavior groups Intensity during rating period


Aberrant Vocalization 0. Not present
(repetitive requests or complaints, nonverbal 1. Low volume, not disruptive in milieu, including
vocalizations, e.g., moaning, screaming) crying
2. Louder than conversational, mildly disruptive,
redirectable
3. Loud, disruptive, difficult to redirect
4. Extremely loud screaming or yelling, highly
disruptive, unable to redirect
Motor Agitation 0. Not present
(pacing, wandering, moving in chair, picking at 1. Pacing or moving about in chair at normal rate
objects, disrobing, banging on chair, taking (appears to be seeking comfort, looking for spouse,
others’ possessions. Rate “intrusiveness” by purposeless movements)
normal social standards, not by effect on other 2. Increased rate of movements, mildly intrusive,
patients in milieu. If “intrusive” or “disruptive” easily redirectable
due to noise, rate under “Vocalization.”) 3. Rapid movements, moderately intrusive or
disruptive, difficult to redirect
4. Intense movements extremely intrusive or
disruptive, not redirectable verbally
Aggressiveness 0. Not present
(score ‘0’ if aggressive only when resisting care) 1. Verbal threats
2. Threatening gestures; no attempt to strike
3. Physical toward property
4. Physical toward self or others
Resisting Care 0. Not present
(circle associated activity) 1. Procrastination or avoidance
Washing / Dressing / Eating / Meds 2. Verbal gesture of refusal
Other: ______________ 3. Pushing away to avoid task
4. Striking out at caregiver

Were any of the following used during this rating period because of behavior problems?
(Circle interventions used.)
 Seclusion
 PRN Meds (specify)
 Restraint
 Other interventions

Reference: Rosen, J., Burgio, L., Killar, M., Cain, M., Allison, M., et al. (1994). The Pittsburgh Agitation
Scale. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 2, 52–59.

You might also like