Which assessment tool is commonly used to evaluate pressure ulcer risk?

The Braden Scale is widely recognized in clinical practice for evaluating the risk of pressure ulcers. It assesses several factors, including sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction/shear, assigning a score that helps healthcare professionals determine a patient's susceptibility to pressure injuries. A lower total score indicates a higher risk, guiding preventative measures and interventions for individuals at risk.

In contrast, the Norton Scale, while also assessing risk for pressure ulcers, is less frequently used today due to its simplicity and variability compared to the Braden Scale. The Waterlow Scale is another assessment tool but varies in its criteria and is not as broadly accepted as the Braden Scale in various healthcare settings. The Glasgow Coma Scale, however, is specifically designed for assessing consciousness and neurological status, not pressure ulcer risk, making it irrelevant in this context. Thus, the Braden Scale remains the gold standard due to its comprehensive approach and extensive validation in research.