Waterlow Pressure Ulcer Risk Score
Assesses risk of pressure ulcer development. Higher scores indicate higher risk.
Score interpretation
No special pressure ulcer precautions required.
→ Standard care; reassess if condition changes.
Patient at risk of pressure ulcer development.
→ Implement preventive measures: pressure-relieving mattress, regular repositioning, skin care.
High risk — active prevention essential.
→ Pressure-relieving bed/mattress, 2-hourly repositioning, dietitian referral.
Very high risk — intensive preventive interventions required.
→ Specialist mattress, hourly skin assessment, multidisciplinary wound care team.
Interpretation bands for the Waterlow. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Waterlow J. Pressure sores: a risk assessment card. Nursing Times. 1985;81(48):49-55.
- NHS guidance on pressure ulcer prevention and management. NICE Clinical Guideline CG179. 2014.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Chlorhexidine gluconate with isopropyl alcohol · Skin antiseptic
- Chlorhexidine with cetrimide · Skin antiseptic / wound cleanser
- Barrier creams and ointments · Topical skin protectant
- Chlorhexidine · Antiseptic / disinfectant (bisbiguanide)
- Cefalexin · First-Generation Cephalosporin — Skin / Soft Tissue / UTI
- Palivizumab · RSV Prophylaxis — Monthly Monoclonal Antibody (High-Risk Infants)
- Sepsis Screening and Sepsis Six · UK Sepsis Trust; NICE NG51; Surviving Sepsis Campaign 2021
- Unintentional Weight Loss Workup · NICE NG12; BSG
- Chronic Fatigue Workup · NICE NG206; BMJ Best Practice
- Lymphadenopathy Workup · NICE NG12; BMJ Best Practice
- Pre-op Medical Clearance · NICE NG45; ESC 2022
- Secondary Hypertension Workup · NICE NG136; ESH 2023
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.