Lab Values for Nurses Practice Test 2026 - Free Nursing Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

The Braden Scale measures pressure ulcer risk by scoring six domains (sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction/shear). The total ranges from 6 to 23, with lower scores showing greater vulnerability. A cutoff of 12 or less is used to flag high risk because those scores reflect substantial limitations across multiple areas, indicating a strong need for aggressive prevention measures such as turning the patient frequently, using pressure-relieving surfaces, careful skin care, and attention to nutrition and moisture. Scores above 12 suggest moderate to mild risk, guiding less intensive prevention.