Printed on 4/21/2026
For informational purposes only. This is not medical advice.
The Norton Scale is a bedside pressure injury risk screening tool that assigns 1-4 points across five domains. Total scores range from 5 to 20, with lower scores indicating higher risk and need for stronger prevention protocols.
Formula: Norton = sum of 5 domains scored 1-4 each (total 5-20).
Lower Norton totals indicate greater pressure injury risk and the need for intensified prevention planning.
Use in hospital, long-term care, and high-dependency settings to screen pressure injury risk at baseline and follow-up.
The Norton scale is a screening aid and has variable performance by population; it should complement, not replace, clinical skin and mobility assessment.
For related assessments, see Barthel Index, Katz ADL and Clinical Frailty Scale.
Disclaimer: This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about your health.
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