Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT)
Pain assessment in patients who cannot self-report.
Inputs
CompleteFacial expression
Body movements
Muscle tension
Ventilator compliance (intubated) or vocalization
Worked calculation
Your values are highlighted.
- Points
When to use
- ICU patients unable to self-report pain.
Pearls and pitfalls
- Score above 2 suggests significant pain.
Why use
Recommended by the PADIS guideline.
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Facial expression: Relaxed, neutral | 0 |
| Tense | +1 |
| Grimacing | +2 |
| Body movements: Absent or normal position | 0 |
| Protection | +1 |
| Restlessness or agitation | +2 |
| Muscle tension: Relaxed | 0 |
| Tense, rigid | +1 |
| Very tense or rigid | +2 |
| Ventilator compliance (intubated) or vocalization: Tolerating, or talking in normal tone | 0 |
| Coughing but tolerating, or sighing and moaning | +1 |
| Fighting the ventilator, or crying out | +2 |