A patient with a RASS score of -3 to -2 would require which level of physical therapy intervention?

A patient with a RASS score of -3 to -2 would require which level of physical therapy intervention?

• A. ADLs
• B. Sit
• C. PROM
• D. AROM

Answer: (C)

With a RASS score of -3 to -2, the patient is sedated but arousable, meaning they cannot actively participate in movement. The appropriate physical therapy intervention at this level is passive range of motion. The therapist moves the joints through the available range without the patient’s active muscle effort, which helps preserve joint mobility, prevent contractures, and support circulation while safety and vitals are monitored. As the patient becomes more alert and able to participate (toward 0 or higher), you can progress to active-assisted and active ROM, then to sitting and functional tasks like ADLs as tolerated. The other options require active participation or functional independence that isn’t feasible at this sedation level.

With a RASS score of -3 to -2, the patient is sedated but arousable, meaning they cannot actively participate in movement. The appropriate physical therapy intervention at this level is passive range of motion. The therapist moves the joints through the available range without the patient’s active muscle effort, which helps preserve joint mobility, prevent contractures, and support circulation while safety and vitals are monitored. As the patient becomes more alert and able to participate (toward 0 or higher), you can progress to active-assisted and active ROM, then to sitting and functional tasks like ADLs as tolerated. The other options require active participation or functional independence that isn’t feasible at this sedation level.