Braden Scale: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
The Braden Scale is a risk assessment tool used to identify patients at risk for developing pressure injuries. It was developed by Barbara Braden and Nancy Bergstrom in 1987. The scale is based on six risk factors: * Sensory Perception * Moisture * Activity * Mobility * Nutrition * Friction and ShearThese risk factors are assessed on a scale of 1 to 4, with 1 being the lowest risk and 4 being the highest risk. A total score of 18 or higher indicates that the patient is at high risk for developing a pressure injury.
Benefits of Using the Braden Scale
The Braden Scale is a simple and easy-to-use tool that can help healthcare professionals identify patients at risk for pressure injuries. It has been shown to be effective in predicting the development of pressure injuries in both hospitalised and community-dwelling patients.The Braden Scale can be used to:
Limitations of the Braden Scale
The Braden Scale is not perfect. It does not take into account all of the risk factors for pressure injuries. For example, it does not consider the patient's age, weight, or medical history. Additionally, the Braden Scale is not always accurate. It can overestimate or underestimate the risk of developing a pressure injury. Despite these limitations, the Braden Scale is a valuable tool for healthcare professionals. It can help identify patients at risk for pressure injuries and develop prevention strategies.How to Use the Braden Scale
The Braden Scale is a simple and easy-to-use tool. It can be used by nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals.To use the Braden Scale:
1. Assess the patient's risk factors for pressure injuries. 2. Score each risk factor on a scale of 1 to 4. 3. Add up the scores for all six risk factors. 4. A total score of 18 or higher indicates that the patient is at high risk for developing a pressure injury.