# Waterlow score

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{{Short description|Clinical tool}}
The '''Waterlow score''' (or ''' Waterlow scale''') gives an estimated risk for the development of a [pressure sore](/source/pressure_sore) in a given patient. The tool was developed in 1985 by clinical nurse teacher [Judy Waterlow](/source/Judy_Waterlow).  It is available both on a two-sided score card and on an app.

==Scoring criteria==
The following areas are assessed for each patient and assigned a point value.

*Build/weight for height 
*Skin type/visual risk areas
*Sex and age
*[Malnutrition Screening Tool](/source/Malnutrition)
*[Continence](/source/urinary_incontinence)
*Mobility

Additional points in special risk categories are assigned to selected patients.

*Tissue malnutrition
*[Neurological deficit](/source/Neurological_deficit)
*Major [surgery](/source/surgery) or [trauma](/source/Trauma_(medicine))

Potential scores range from 1 to 64.<ref name=evaluation>[http://www.health.vic.gov.au/older/toolkit/09SkinIntegrity/docs/Waterlow%20Scale.pdf Waterlow Score - Tool Evaluation: Melbourne Health]</ref> A total Waterlow score ≥10 indicates risk for pressure [ulcer](/source/ulcer). A high risk score is ≥15. A very high risk exists at scores ≥20. The reverse side of the Waterlow card lists examples of [preventive aids and interventions](/source/Preventive_healthcare).<ref>{{cite web| title =Waterlow Score Card | publisher =
 | url =http://www.judy-waterlow.co.uk/the-waterlow-score-card.htm| accessdate = July 10, 2012}}</ref>

==Criticism==
While packaged conveniently as a laminated card, the score has received criticism owing to its large number of scored items. This, combined with a lack of [operational definition](/source/operational_definition)s, may reduce its [reliability](/source/Reliability_(psychometrics)).<ref name=evaluation/>

==See also==
* [Pressure ulcer](/source/Pressure_ulcer)
* [Wound healing](/source/Wound_healing)
*[Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Ulcer Risk](/source/Braden_Scale_for_Predicting_Pressure_Ulcer_Risk)

== References ==
{{reflist}}

Category:Nursing
Category:Skin conditions resulting from physical factors
Category:Medical scoring systems

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Waterlow score](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterlow_score) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterlow_score?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.