Procedure of Assisting With Ambulation

Procedure of Assisting With Ambulation

Equipment
■ Nonlatex gloves, if you may be exposed to body fluids.
■ Transfer belt.

Assessment
■ Assess:
■ Level of consciousness, ability to follow directions, and ability to assist with ambulation.
■ Physical size of the patient and your own ability to move the patient.
■ Factors that may increase the risk of falls (elderly, muscle strength, chronic disease, gait disturbance).
■ Any restrictions in movement or position.
■ Patient’s level of comfort.
■ Presence of equipment such as IV lines, drains, or catheters.
■ Possible side effects of medications (e.g., dizziness and sedation).
■ VS (monitor for postural hypotension).

Post-Procedure Reassessment
■ Assess:
■ Level of patient participation in the transfer.
■ Patient’s comfort with ambulation.
■ Posture and base of support.
■ VS for postural hypotension.

Key Points
■ Have the patient wear nonskid footwear.
■ Be Safe! Place the bed in low position, and lock the wheels.
■ Assist the patient to dangle at the side of the bed; assess the patient’s tolerance before beginning ambulation.
■ If two nurses are available to assist with the transfer, one nurse should be on each side of the patient.
■ Be Safe! Brace your feet and knees against the patient. Bend your hips and knees, and hold onto the transfer belt. Pay attention to any known weakness.
■ Instruct the patient to place her arms around you between your shoulders and waist (the location depends on the height of the patient and the nurses). Ask the patient to stand as you move to an upright position by straightening your legs and hips.
■ Allow the patient to steady herself for a moment.
■ One nurse: Stand at the patient’s side, placing both hands on the transfer belt. If the patient has weakness on one side, position yourself on the weaker side.
■ Two nurses: One nurse is on each side of the patient, grasping the transfer belt.
■ Slowly guide the patient forward. Observe for signs of fatigue or dizziness.
■ Be Safe! If the patient has an IV pole, allow the patient to hold onto the pole on the side where you are standing but not to use it for full support. Assist the patient to advance the pole as you ambulate together.

Documentation
■ Record:
■ The amount of assistance required.
■ Any problems with ambulation.
■ The distance walked.

Stand at the patient's side, placing both hands on the transfer belt

Assist the patient to advance the IV pole as he ambulates