The Cardiovascular
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Braden Score for Pressure Ulcer Risk

Predicts pressure injury risk from six care-related domains.

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.