The CAM-ICU consists of which two components?

• A. Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) and Delirium Scale
• B. Glasgow Coma Scale and Pain Scale
• C. APACHE II and SOFA
• D. LOC and Orientation checklist

Answer: (A)

Delirium detection in the ICU with CAM-ICU rests on two parts: first, assess the patient's level of consciousness using the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS), and then perform the delirium assessment itself. The RASS step ensures the patient is arousable enough to test for delirium; if the patient is too sedated or unresponsive, delirium assessment isn’t feasible. If the patient is awake enough (RASS at or above −3), you proceed with the CAM-ICU evaluation, which looks for acute onset or fluctuating course, inattention, and either an altered level of consciousness or disorganized thinking. This two-part structure is why the correct choice pairs RASS with a delirium assessment. The other options refer to scales or checklists that aren’t part of the CAM-ICU’s two-component framework.