Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

Which level of moisture is indicated by a score of 4 on the Braden Scale?

1. Rarely moist

2. Occasionally moist

3. Often moist

4. Consistently moist

The correct answer is: Rarely moist

A score of 4 on the Braden Scale indicates that the skin is "rarely moist." This scale is used in assessing a patient's risk for pressure ulcers, with moisture being a significant factor. A lower number reflects greater risk, while a higher number suggests better skin health. In this context, "rarely moist" suggests that the skin is typically dry, which contributes positively to skin integrity and lowers the risk for pressure ulcers as well as other related skin issues. The other options describe conditions in which the skin has more moisture, which can potentially increase the risk of skin breakdown and pressure ulcers. For instance, "occasionally moist" and "often moist" suggest a higher frequency of moisture that could contribute to skin irritation or damage. "Consistently moist" indicates a continuous state of moisture that poses an even greater risk. Thus, the indication of a score of 4 reflects a safer level of moisture for maintaining skin health.