Agitation, Confusion, and Neuromuscular Blockade in Critically Ill Patients By Cherisse Berry, MD, New York University School of Medicine Reviewed / Revised Dec 2022 View Patient Education Etiology Evaluation Treatment Key Points Topic Resources Some Causes of Agitation... Richmond Agitation-Sedation... Riker Sedation-Agitation Scale The Ramsay Sedation Scale Confusion Assessment Method... Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are often agitated, confused, and uncomfortable.