Final answer:
The Braden Scale used by a nurse measures each client's risk of developing pressure ulcers or sores. It assesses six parameters: sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction or shear. The lower the score in these parameters, the higher the risk the patient has in developing pressure ulcers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Braden Scale used by a nurse in a physical assessment of a patient is a predictive tool specially designed to calculate the risk of a patient developing pressure ulcers or sores. It measures six client parameters which are: sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction or shear. Each category is scored from one to four, with a lower score indicating a higher risk to develop pressure ulcers.
For instance, for sensory perception, a score of 1 might indicate that the patient is completely unresponsive, leading to a higher chance of pressure ulcer development. On the other hand, a score of 4 means the patient has no sensory issues, thus presenting a lower risk. Similarly, a high score in the 'nutrition' category indicates a good nutritional status which can enhance skin health, thereby reducing the likelihood of pressure ulcer development.
Therefore, utilizing the Braden Scale gives healthcare professionals an insight into a patient's risk of developing pressure ulcers, allowing them to intervene early and effectively provide appropriate care and prevention measures.
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