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Printed on 4/21/2026
For informational purposes only. This is not medical advice.
The Pasero Opioid-Induced Sedation Scale (POSS) is a nursing safety framework used to monitor sedation depth during opioid therapy. It helps identify oversedation risk and supports practical action plans, including dose review and escalation when severe sedation is present.
Formula: Ordinal bedside scale: S, 1, 2, 3, 4. Higher numeric level indicates greater opioid-related sedation severity.
Lower POSS levels indicate acceptable or mild sedation, while levels 3 to 4 indicate escalating opioid safety concern and potential respiratory depression risk.
Use POSS after opioid administration and during ongoing opioid therapy in inpatient and procedural settings, especially with dose changes or concurrent sedatives.
POSS is an observational scale and does not replace full respiratory assessment, pulse oximetry/capnography trends, or cause-specific evaluation of altered mental status.
For related assessments, see Opioid MME, Opioid Risk Tool and IV Drip Rate.
Disclaimer: This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about your health.
Calculate morphine milligram equivalents (MME) for opioid medications using CDC conversion factors. ≥50 MME/day warrants caution; ≥90 MME/day carries significantly increased overdose risk.
Mental HealthScreen risk of opioid misuse with the Opioid Risk Tool before initiating long-term opioid therapy.
PharmacyCalculate IV infusion rates in mL/hr and drops per minute from volume, time, and drop factor. Essential nursing and pharmacy calculator for safe, accurate IV fluid and medication administration.