Which scale uses 14 and below as a high-risk threshold?

Which scale uses 14 and below as a high-risk threshold?

• A. Braden Scale
• B. Aldrete Score
• C. Norton Scale
• D. MAP

Answer: (C)

This question is about a risk assessment tool for pressure ulcers and how it signals high risk. The Norton Scale evaluates five domains—physical condition, mental status, activity, mobility, and incontinence—and sums them into a total score from 5 to 20. Lower totals indicate worse condition and higher risk. A common threshold is 14 or below, which flags patients who need more aggressive preventive measures such as frequent turning, pressure reduction strategies, and skin care. The other options don’t use that exact threshold. The Braden scale also predicts ulcer risk but uses a different scoring system and its cutoffs aren’t universally fixed at 14. The Aldrete score assesses post-anesthesia recovery and ranges up to 10, not a long-term ulcer risk scale. MAP is simply a mean arterial pressure value, not a risk assessment scale.

This question is about a risk assessment tool for pressure ulcers and how it signals high risk. The Norton Scale evaluates five domains—physical condition, mental status, activity, mobility, and incontinence—and sums them into a total score from 5 to 20. Lower totals indicate worse condition and higher risk. A common threshold is 14 or below, which flags patients who need more aggressive preventive measures such as frequent turning, pressure reduction strategies, and skin care.

The other options don’t use that exact threshold. The Braden scale also predicts ulcer risk but uses a different scoring system and its cutoffs aren’t universally fixed at 14. The Aldrete score assesses post-anesthesia recovery and ranges up to 10, not a long-term ulcer risk scale. MAP is simply a mean arterial pressure value, not a risk assessment scale.