The Braden Scale is used to assess risk for which condition?

• A. Pain intensity
• B. Fall risk
• C. Infection
• D. Pressure ulcers

Answer: (D)

The Braden Scale focuses on skin integrity under pressure and what makes someone more likely to develop pressure ulcers. It looks at six factors that affect risk: sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction or shear. Each factor is scored, and the total score indicates how high the risk is—the lower the score, the greater the risk. This guides preventive actions such as more frequent repositioning, use of pressure-relieving surfaces, careful skin care, keeping skin dry, and addressing nutrition to support skin health. It isn’t a measure of pain, fall risk, or infection, but specifically targets the likelihood of pressure-related skin breakdown.