Norton Pressure Sore Risk Scale
First standardised pressure-injury risk score (Norton 1962). Five domains each 1–4. Total 5–20 (lower = higher risk). Score ≤ 14 = at risk. Use with clinical judgement (NICE CG179).
Score interpretation
Norton > 14.
→ Routine repositioning per hospital protocol. Reassess on transfer or clinical change.
Norton ≤ 14 — at risk; the lower the score, the higher the risk.
→ Pressure-redistributing mattress / cushion (active surface for the lowest scores); repositioning schedule with skin checks; nutrition (MUST) and continence support; tissue-viability referral if skin damage; document the SSKIN bundle every shift.
Interpretation bands for the Norton. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
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)
- Palivizumab · RSV Prophylaxis — Monthly Monoclonal Antibody (High-Risk Infants)
- Esomeprazole (Burns — Curling's Ulcer Prophylaxis) · Proton Pump Inhibitor — Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis
- Falls Assessment in Older Adults · NICE CG161 2013
- Delirium Outside ICU · NICE CG103
- Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) · BGS / NICE
- Delirium Assessment and Management · NICE CG103 2010
- Frailty Recognition and Management · BGS Frailty Framework / NHS NHSE
- Polypharmacy and Medicines Optimisation · STOPP/START v2 2014 / NICE NG5
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.
