Final answer:
The Braden Scale is used to measure a patient's risk of developing pressure ulcers, assessing factors like sensory perception and mobility to determine risk level.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse explains to the UAP (Unlicensed Assistive Personnel) that the Braden Scale is used to measure a patient's risk for developing pressure ulcers. This scale is different from the Apgar score, which is used to assess the physical condition of a newborn immediately after birth. The Braden Scale evaluates multiple factors that contribute to skin integrity and the likelihood of a pressure ulcer forming, such as sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction or shear. Each factor is assessed and given a score; the total score helps determine the patient's level of risk.