Introduction
Assisting with ambulation means helping patients walk safely—whether they’re recovering from surgery, managing chronic conditions, or regaining strength after immobility. It’s a cornerstone of nursing care that promotes independence, prevents complications, and boosts recovery.
Definition
Assistance means walking along the side of a patient while ambulating or providing an assistive device to aid in ambulation.
Purposes
- To promote mobilization.
- To improve the activity level of the patient.
- To prevent complications secondary to surgery.
- To prevent pressure sores.
- To enhance the patient’s level of independence.
Articles
Preparation of Equipment
- Sphygmomanometer.
- Assistive devices such as gait belt if needed.
Procedure
| Nursing actions | Rationale | |
| 1. | Explain the reason for ambulation. | Enhances cooperation. |
| 2. | Check BP and pulse. | To prevent falls. |
| 3. | Confirm that the patient does not feel lightheaded. | To prevent injury from falls. |
| 4. | Empty the drain and position the tubings as required. | To prevent return flow, kinking, or disconnection of tubings. |
| 5. | Keep the foot stool and chairs with pillow near the bed. | To allow period of rest as per need. |
| 6. | Assist the patient to sit in the cot for few minutes and dangle the foot. | To enhance venous return. |
| 7. | Check the BP once again and if it is normal, apply the gait belt and help the patient to assume a standing position. Observe the balance. | To prevent injury. |
| 8. | Assisted ambulation by one nurse: Stand on the patient’s stronger side and grasp the gait belt, if gait belt is not there, grasp the patient’s back. Take few steps and walk forward with the patient. If the patient becomes weak or dizzy, ask the patient to sit; if not, continue to walk for few minutes as the patient tolerates. | Prevents injury. |
| 9. | Assisted ambulation by two nurses: The nurses should stand on either side of the patient; grasp the gait belt in the middle of the patient’s back.Step forward in unison with the patient, maintaining the same pace as the patient. Gradually increase the distance of the walk.If the patient becomes weak or dizzy, ask the patient to sit, if not, continue to walk for few minutes as the patient tolerates. | Prevents injury. |
| 10. | After ambulation, encourage the patient to sit; provide fluids to drink if needed. | For relaxation. |
| 11. | Position the patient comfortably. | To promote comfort. |
| 12. | Wash hands. | To prevent cross-infection. |
| 13. | Document the procedure done. | Serves as a legal evidence. |
Special Considerations
- Post-op patients: Support incision sites and monitor pain.
- Neurological conditions: Adapt for coordination and sensory deficits.
- Medication effects: Be alert for dizziness or sedation
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwers, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
- Adrianne Dill Linton, Medical-Surgical Nursing, 8th Edition, 2023, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323826716
- Donna Ignatavicius, Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care, 11th Edition ,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323878265
- Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing, 12th Edition,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323789615
- AACN Essentials of Critical Care Nursing, 5th Ed. Sarah. Delgado, 2023, Published by American Association of Critical-Care Nurses ISBN: 978-1264269884
- Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Fundamentals [Internet]. 2nd edition. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2024. PART IV, NURSING PROCESS. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK610818/
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