Risk Assessment In Pressure

Words: 726
Pages: 3

Risk assessment in pressure sore is a standardized and ongoing process that assesses patients at risk of developing pressure ulcer, identifies different levels of risks by the use of risk assessment tools and scales, for preventive purposes and planning care. The instruments that are developed and validated to identify people at risk for pressure ulcers are risk assessment tools. These are to be used in conjunction with clinical assessments like nutrition, mobility, medication, age, and moisture and disease conditions (Berlowitz et al. 2014, pp. 43-44).
Though some institutions have created their own tools, Norton Scale and Braden Scale are widely in use. They provide reliable data if used correctly. Norton Scale consists of five subscales (physical condition, mental status, activity, mobility, incontinence) marked from 1-4. To obtain total score ranging from 5-20, subscales are added. In Braden Scale, there are six subscales; sensory reception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition and friction scored from 1-4 or 1-3. Total score is from 6 to 23 (Berlowitz et al. 2014, p. 45).
A risk assessment study conducted by Tayyib, Coyer and Lewis (2013) among critical patients identified 28 intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors of pressure ulcers. The study presented the scales used in the ICU setting were Braden scale, Jackson/Cubbin, Waterlow, Modified
…show more content…
(2015) found that only 54.4% of nurses had good knowledge and 48.4% had good practice on prevention of pressure ulcer. The study drew the conclusion that knowledge and practice of nurses was inadequate. Educational background, formal trainings, work experiences, and lack of staffs and equipment, were the associative factors for knowledge and practice. In-service education and upgrading courses were found to be effective in improving nurses’ knowledge and practice on prevention of pressure