While assessing Mr. Gupta with Braden Scale, the score attained was 8 which indicates that the risk of developing pressure sore for Mr. Gupta is?

Appeared in: Chitranjjan National Cancer Institute Kolkata - 2021

Explanation

The Braden Scale is an inverse risk assessment tool, meaning a lower score indicates a higher risk for developing pressure ulcers (sores).
A total score of 8 falls into the category of '9 or below'.
According to the standardized Braden Scale interpretation, a score in this range signifies a 'Very High' risk.
This level of risk necessitates the implementation of aggressive and comprehensive preventive strategies.

Option A: A 'Mild' risk corresponds to a much higher Braden score of 15–18. A score of 8 indicates a significantly more severe risk.
Option B: A 'Moderate' risk corresponds to a Braden score of 13–14. A score of 8 is well below this range.
Option C: A 'High' risk corresponds to a Braden score of 10–12. While this is a significant risk, a score of 8 indicates an even more critical, 'Very High' risk level.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Interpretation of Braden Scale score for pressure ulcer risk assessment as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses use the Braden Scale on admission and regularly thereafter to identify at-risk patients and justify the need for specific preventive interventions.
A 'Very High' risk score (like 8) is a critical finding that mandates immediate, aggressive prevention protocols, including specialized support surfaces (e.g., alternating pressure mattress) and a strict turning schedule (e.g., every 1-2 hours).
This score is a key communication tool among the healthcare team to highlight patient vulnerability and coordinate care to prevent skin breakdown.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the core of the question: It asks for the interpretation of a specific score (8) on a specific clinical scale (Braden Scale).
Recall the fundamental principle of the Braden Scale: it's an inverse scale, meaning a lower score signifies a higher risk.
Access your knowledge of the Braden Scale's risk categories and their corresponding score ranges.
Place the given score (8) into the correct category. A score of 8 is less than or equal to 9.
Match this category to the corresponding risk level. A score of 9 or below is 'Very High Risk'.
Select the option that matches this conclusion.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Interpretation of Braden Scale score for pressure ulcer risk assessment.
Stem keywords: Braden Scale, score 8, pressure sore, risk
Lead-in keywords: indicates
Clinical cues: Braden score of 8 (a very low score indicating severe risk)

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 562-564

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