Norton Scale for Predicting Pressure Ulcer Risk
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Physical Condition Very bad Poor Fair Good
Mental Condition Stupor Confused Apathetic Alert
Activity Bed-bound Chair bound Walks with assistance Ambulates without assistance
Mobility Immobile Very limited Slightly limited Fully mobile
Incontinence Usually (Stool & Urine) Usually (Urine) Occassionally None
R e s u l t s
Norton Scale
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Norton Scale for Predicting Pressure Ulcer Risk

Pressure/decubitis ulcers often develop in incapacitated individuals and can occur rapidly and be very difficult to heal. Identifying patients at high risk can focus appropriate attention to preventing this adverse outcome.

The Norton Scale utilizes 5 different factors, each scored from 1-4 points; which when summed create the total Norton Scale (Score range 5-20). The lower the score, the more highly at risk the patient is.

Physical Condition

  • 1 pt = Very bad
  • 2 pts = Poor
  • 3 pts = Fair
  • 4 pts = Good

Mental Condition

  • 1 pt = Stupor
  • 2 pts = Confused
  • 3 pts = Apathetic
  • 4 pts = Alert

Activity

  • 1 pt = Bed-bound
  • 2 pts = Chair bound
  • 3 pts = Walks with assistance
  • 4 pts = Ambulates without assistance

Mobility

  • 1 pt = Immobile
  • 2 pts = Very limited
  • 3 pts = Slightly limited
  • 4 pts = Fully mobile

Incontinence

  • 1 pt = Usually (Stool & Urine)
  • 2 pts = Usually (Urine)
  • 3 pts = Occassionally
  • 4 pts = None

Interpretation (Risk of developing pressure sores):

  • 0-12 pts = 48% risk
  • 12-14 pts = 32% risk
  • 15-17 pts = 21% risk
  • 18-20 pts = 5% risk

A score of <=14 pts is felt to be high risk.

Reference:

Norton D. Calculating the risk: Reflections on the Norton Scale. Decubitis . 1989;2(3):24-31.