Ambulation
What does ambulation mean?
Walking or moving
What is another common name for a transfer belt?
Gait belt
What should be done to the wheelchair before transferring a patient into it?
Position it safely and lock the wheels.
Name two common assistive devices used to help patients ambulate
Crutches and walkers.
What position places the patient flat on their back?
What is the supine position
The least assistive level of ambulation training is
What is independent
Where should a transfer belt generally be positioned?
Snugly around the patient's waist/trunk area, over clothing, while avoiding areas where it could cause injury.
Why are the wheelchair footrests moved out of the way during many transfers?
To provide adequate space for the patient's feet and reduce the risk of tripping or injury.
What is one major purpose of a walker?
To provide stability and support during ambulation.
What position places the patient on their abdomen?
What is the prone position
This level of training, the healthcare workers need to watch patients ambulate
What is supervised
True or False: A healthcare worker should use a transfer belt to lift a patient completely off the floor.
False. A transfer belt is for support and controlled movement—not for lifting a patient.
A patient is transferring from a bed into a wheelchair. Where should the wheelchair generally be positioned?
Close to the bed and at an appropriate angle that allows a safe transfer.
Why must a walker be properly fitted to the patient?
Proper fitting promotes safe posture, balance, and effective use of the device.
Why might a patient be placed in a side-lying position?
To promote comfort, reposition the patient, relieve pressure from certain areas, or support specific care needs.
This level of training provides minimal physical assistance while patients ambulate
What is limited
Before using a transfer belt, what should the healthcare worker assess?
The patient's ability to stand, strength, balance, cooperation, medical restrictions, and whether the belt is appropriate for the patient.
What should the patient do before sitting in the wheelchair?
Back up until they can feel the wheelchair against their legs, reach for the appropriate armrests, and sit in a controlled manner.
A patient has been prescribed crutches. Why is proper instruction important?
Incorrect crutch use can cause falls, injury, or improper weight-bearing.
What is range of motion (ROM)?
The movement available at a joint.
This level of training neesd to provide much physical assistance while patients ambulate
What is extensive
During a transfer, the patient begins losing balance. What is the safest response?
Maintain control using the transfer belt, use proper body mechanics, guide the patient toward a safe sitting surface, and avoid trying to catch or lift the patient's entire body weight.
A student places a wheelchair several feet away from the bed and begins the transfer without locking the brakes. Identify two safety problems.
The wheelchair is too far away, and the brakes are not locked. Both increase the risk of a fall.
A patient has a prescribed weight-bearing restriction after an injury. What should the healthcare worker do before assisting the patient with crutches?
Verify the prescribed weight-bearing restriction and follow the patient's care plan/instructions for the appropriate gait pattern.
What is the difference between full ROM and limited ROM?
Full ROM means a joint can move through its expected range; limited ROM means movement is restricted or less than expected.