What is the main purpose of the Braden Scale?

• A. To assess risk of pressure ulcers
• B. To assess nutritional status
• C. To evaluate fall risk
• D. To measure pain intensity

Answer: (A)

The Braden Scale is a risk assessment tool used to identify patients who are at risk for developing pressure ulcers. It looks at six factors that influence skin integrity: sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction/shear. Each factor is scored, and the total score helps gauge how likely it is that a patient will develop a pressure ulcer. A lower score indicates higher risk, which prompts preventive actions such as regular repositioning, use of pressure-relieving surfaces, careful skin care, moisture management, and attention to nutritional support.

It’s not designed to measure nutritional status by itself, assess fall risk, or measure pain intensity. Those areas are evaluated with other tools or assessments, whereas the Braden Scale specifically targets the risk of skin breakdown from pressure.