The Braden scale is used to assess the risk of developing what condition?

• A. Pressure ulcers
• B. Falls
• C. Infections
• D. Dehydration

Answer: (A)

The Braden scale predicts a patient’s risk for developing pressure ulcers. It evaluates six factors—sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction/shear—and combines them into a total score, with lower scores indicating higher risk. This guides preventive actions like turning schedules, pressure-relieving surfaces, skin care, and nutritional support. Falls, infections, and dehydration are important nursing concerns, but they are not what the Braden scale measures.