Question

what is a Braden Score?

Answer 1

A pressure ulcer is also called bedsores or decubitus ulcers, it is the ulcer on the skin especially at the bony prominence of the body due to prolonged stay on the bed.

To assess the risk of developing pressure sores or decubitis ulcers there is a scale called BRADEN SCALE.

This score helps health care professionals to assess the chance or risk of developing bed sores or decubitis ulcers.

To assess the risk there are 6 such on which it is measured.

1. Sensory perception.

It is the response given by the client with the help of a stimulus.it are the criteria which tell if a client can feel the stimulus.

2. Moisture.

It is the criteria that measure the extent of skin that comes in contact with the fluid or moisture, the skin gets torn and erosion of skin takes place when the skin remains in contact with moisture for a longer period of time.

3. Activity.

It is used to assess the level of activities performed by the client, the absence of physical activities may cause more damage to the skin.

4. Mobility.

It is the criteria used to assess the independent ability to change the position by the patient, also without any support or assistance.

5. Nutrition.

A balanced diet should be maintained, incomplete or partial intake of essential nutrients may lead to a high risk of skin damage.

6. Friction and shear.

It is the right amount of support and the help provided to the client while changing position and moving them out of bed, It is important to prevent the client from being pulled from the bony parts.

Each mentioned category is measured on a scale of 1 to 4 but friction and shear are measured on a scale of 1 to 3.

There is a total score of 23 in the BRADEN score,

23 means there is no bedsore and 6 indicates the severe risk of pressure sores.

Each category is divided into risks such as

Very high or completely limited = a score of 9 or less than 9 up to 6 is recorded.

Higher or very limited =a score of 10 to 12 is recorded.

Moderate or slightly limited = a score of 13 to 14 is recorded.

Mild or very less limited = 15 to 18 score is recorded

No risk = 19 to 23 score is recorded.

Except for friction and shear, all categories are measured on a scale of 1 to 4.