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Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS) for Pain Assessment in Intubated Patients

Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS) for Pain Assessment in Intubated Patients
Facial expression
Upper limb movements
Compliance with mechanical ventilation
Result3 points

Score <=5, pain unlikely to be significant.

When to use

  • Assessing pain in critically ill, sedated, and mechanically ventilated patients who cannot self-report.

Formula

Sum of 3 domains (facial expression, upper limb movement, ventilator compliance), each 1-4. Range 3-12; score >5 indicates significant pain.

References

  1. Payen JF, et al. Crit Care Med. 2001;29(12):2258-63.