The Cardiovascular
ToolsCalculators

Braden Score for Pressure Ulcer Risk

Braden Score for Pressure Ulcer Risk
Sensory perception
Moisture (skin exposure)
Activity
Mobility
Nutrition
Friction and shear
Result0 points

Very high risk for pressure injury (lower score = higher risk).

Risk category
Very high risk

When to use

  • Structured pressure-injury risk assessment in immobile or hospitalised patients.

Formula

Sum of six subscales: sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility and nutrition (1–4 each) plus friction/shear (1–3). Range 6–23; ≤ 18 is generally considered at risk.

Pearls and pitfalls

  • A lower total means greater risk, opposite to most point scores.
  • Reassess after changes in mobility, nutrition or level of consciousness.

References

  1. Bergstrom N, et al. Nurs Res. 1987;36(4):205-10.