Table 1

Grading for the Airway Care Score.

Grading
Cough to suction
Sputum quantity
Sputum character
Sputum viscosity
Suctioning frequency

0
Vigorous
None
Clear
Watery
> 3 hours

1
Moderate
1 pass
Tan
Frothy
Every 2 to 3 hours

2
Weak
2 passes
Yellow
Thick
Every 1 to 2 hours

3
None
≥ 3 passes
Green
Tenacious
< Every 1 hour

Passes refers to number of passes of a suctioning catheter that is required to clear the endotracheal tube of secretions. The total score is the summation of all grades.

Manno et al. Critical Care 2008 12:R138   doi:10.1186/cc7112