Last reviewed September 30, 2026. Applies to all 23 scales, 7 guides and the tools on this site.
1. Sources we accept
Items, point values and cut-offs come only from citable sources, in this order of preference:
- The original publication of the scale and the official form or website of its authors.
- US government agencies and programs: NIH and NINDS, AHRQ, CDC, NIDA and SAMHSA, the VA.
- US professional bodies and their guidelines: ACOG, AAP, ASAM, SCCM, CHEST, NPIAP, among others.
- Peer-reviewed journals and open, peer-reviewed references such as StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf) and open nursing textbooks.
We do not use other calculator websites, forums, social media or AI-generated text as sources. Every page lists the sources used at the bottom.
2. When sources disagree
Many scales have more than one version or more than one set of cut-offs (Braden, Morse and the NIH Stroke Scale are examples). The calculator uses the most cited US version, and the "Versions and other cut-offs" note on the page explains the alternatives. If your facility uses a different version, follow your facility.
3. How we check each calculator
- The point values in our data must add up to the published minimum and maximum score.
- The interpretation bands must cover every possible score, with no gaps or overlaps.
- The worked example on each page must add up to the score it states.
- Before each release, an automated test answers every calculator with the lowest and highest option for every item and confirms the result and the band shown.
4. Copyrighted scales
Some instruments are protected (for example, the Braden Scale, FLACC, RASS and the Wong-Baker FACES scale). For those we describe each option faithfully in our own words, do not reproduce protected images, and tell you where to get the official form. Scales whose authors allow reproduction with a citation, such as the EPDS, show that citation next to the calculator.
5. Writing standards
- Plain language for students and working nurses; clinical terms are explained the first time they appear.
- No medication names with doses. Where treatment depends on the score, we say "per order" or "per protocol".
- Interventions describe nursing actions supported by the sources on the page, and they defer to facility policy.
- Example cases are fictional and say so.
6. Reviews and corrections
Pages show the date they were last reviewed. We re-check sources when a guideline changes and at least once a year. If you find an error, email [email protected] with the page and, if possible, the source. Confirmed corrections are published as soon as they are verified.
7. Independence and advertising
Nursing Scales is independent and free. We show a small number of ads served by Google AdSense; advertisers have no influence on content, and ads are never placed inside a calculator. We are not affiliated with the authors of any scale. See also our About page, terms of use and privacy policy.