What would the nurse rate as the client's Braden score if they are alert, occasionally moist due to incontinence, chairfast, unable to reposition independently, and eats about 50% of meals?

To determine the Braden score, which assesses a client's risk for developing pressure ulcers, one needs to evaluate various factors: sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction and shear. In this scenario, the client's characteristics should be analyzed according to each factor.

The client is alert, suggesting a strong sensory perception, which would score well. However, they are occasionally moist due to incontinence, which points toward a level of moisture that could increase risk, thus scoring lower. Being chairfast and unable to reposition independently significantly compromises mobility and activity, contributing to higher risk scores in these categories. Lastly, the client eating about 50% of meals indicates moderate nutritional intake, which also lowers the score.

Considering these factors, the nurse would assess a combined risk level leading to a Braden score of 14. This score reflects moderate risk, as the client's alertness and some degree of sensory perception help mitigate total risk, but their incontinence, limited mobility, and decreased nutritional intake present substantial concerns for skin integrity.