Risks
Staying in bed too long can increase the risk of this type of blood clot in the legs.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Check this vital sign before ambulation
Encourage walking and this breathing device
Incentive spirometer
A 68-year-old post-hip surgery patient is ready to walk. What is the first step the nurse should take?
Assess vital signs and pain level before ambulation
Name two long-term benefits of early mobility for patients.
Faster recovery, improved independence, reduced hospital stay, or improved muscle strength.
This type of skin injury can develop from prolonged pressure on bony areas.
Pressure ulcer
Equipment used to prevent falls around patient's waist
Gait belt
Teach patient to use this device if dizzy
Call light
A patient becomes dizzy while standing. The nurse should do this immediately.
Assist the patient to sit or lie down and reassess
True or False: Early mobility has been proven unsafe for ICU patients.
False—it is safe when properly assessed.
Immobility can cause fluid to pool in the lungs, leading to this complication
Pneumonia
Ambulating too early can cause this blood pressure drop
Orthostatic hypotension
What are warning signs or red-flag symptoms during ambulation
Dizziness or shortness of breath
A post-C-section patient reports abdominal discomfort while walking. The nurse notices slight bleeding. What is the safest action?
Stop ambulation, assess the patient, and notify the physician
What did Hoyer et al. (2015) identify as the biggest barriers to early mobility?
Inadequate staffing, limited time, unclear roles, and insufficient training
Extended bed rest can decrease bone density, increasing the risk of these.
Fractures
Lack of this is one of the biggest barriers for nurses in getting patients to ambulate safely.
Staffing or time constraints
When teaching a patient to ambulate with a gait belt, which technique should the nurse emphasize for safety?
Stand slightly behind and to the side, hold the belt firmly at the waist, and walk at a safe pace with support
A patient refuses to ambulate because of fear of falling. How can the nurse encourage participation
Provide education, offer assistance, and use a gait belt or walker
How can nurses motivate patients to participate in mobility programs?
By using encouragement, setting goals, explaining benefits, and providing emotional support.