Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

How is moisture ranked on the Braden Scale?

1. 1 - Consistently moist, detected every time patient moved or turned

2. 2 - Rarely moist

3. 3 - Occasionally moist, extra linen change once a day

4. 4 - Skin often but not always moist, linens must be changed once a shift

The correct answer is: 1 - Consistently moist, detected every time patient moved or turned

The correct answer highlights the most severe level of moisture as indicated by the Braden Scale, which assesses various risk factors, including moisture, that contribute to pressure ulcer risk. A score of "1" signifies that the skin is consistently moist, indicating a significant risk for skin breakdown due to prolonged exposure to moisture. This level suggests that moisture is present every time the patient moves or is turned, reflecting critical attention to skin integrity needs. On the Braden Scale, higher moisture levels correlate with increased risk for skin damage, so recognizing that consistent moisture can lead to maceration and subsequent skin breakdown is vital for wound care management. This understanding is crucial for caregivers to implement appropriate interventions aimed at keeping the skin dry and intact, thereby preventing pressure ulcers. Meanwhile, the other rankings illustrate varying degrees of moisture presence, from rarely moist to occasionally. These lower levels indicate a lesser degree of concern, and therefore necessitate different management strategies compared to consistently moist conditions. Balancing moisture management is essential to reduce injury risk in patients, emphasizing the importance of accurate scoring on the Braden Scale.