Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) Practice Exam

In the Braden scale, what does a score of 1 in friction and shear correlate with?

1. Requires no assistance

2. Moves independently without sliding

3. Requires moderate to maximum assistance

4. Moves feebly with minimal help

The correct answer is: Requires moderate to maximum assistance

A score of 1 in the friction and shear category of the Braden scale indicates a high level of risk for pressure ulcer development due to significant difficulties with mobility. Specifically, this score suggests that the individual has a limited ability to move and is likely to require moderate to maximum assistance to change positions or move about. This is critical in the context of nursing assessments, as the Braden scale is utilized to predict pressure ulcer risk and to guide nursing interventions. In contrast, scores that indicate independence or minimal assistance would typically be higher than 1, reflecting the individual's ability to mobilize without significant aid, which is not the case here. Therefore, the correlation of a score of 1 with requiring moderate to maximum assistance is essential for proper care planning and preventing skin integrity issues.