Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

Which of the following is NOT a category of the Braden scale?

1. Friction and Shear

2. Mobility

3. Activity Level

4. Wound Severity

The correct answer is: Wound Severity

The Braden Scale is a widely used tool for assessing a patient's risk of developing pressure ulcers. It consists of several categories that evaluate different aspects of a patient's condition and environment, with the aim of identifying those at greatest risk. Friction and shear, mobility, and activity level are all critical components of the Braden Scale assessment. Friction and shear refer to forces that can damage the skin, while mobility and activity level assess a patient’s ability to change positions and engage in activities, both of which are important in preventing pressure injuries. Wound severity, however, is not a category included in the Braden Scale. The scale does not directly evaluate the severity of existing wounds but focuses instead on factors that contribute to the risk of developing new pressure ulcers. The categories that do exist in the Braden Scale provide a comprehensive overview of the patient's risk status, allowing for targeted interventions to prevent skin breakdown. Therefore, identifying wound severity does not align with the objectives of the Braden Scale, making it the correct answer in this context.