Assisting a Resident with Ambulation

When a HCW (Health Care Worker) is assisting a resident to ambulate, the HCW is

• Repositioning the client in a wheelchair

• Turning the client in bed

• Placing the client in an ambulance

• Walking with the client

A HCW should use a gait belt to

• Assist with walking when the client is much larger than the HCW

• Prop the client up while in a chair

• Stop the resident from wandering

• Ensure safety when assisting a client to walk

Allowing the client to sit on the edge of the bed with her feet on the floor before standing

• Makes the client more likely to fall forward

• Helps the client establish balance and determine if she is dizzy

• Can be done only when the client cannot bear weight on her legs

• Makes it more difficult to help the client to her feet because momentum is lost

What kind of shoes should a client wear for ambulation?

• Sturdy, nonskid shoes with fasteners

• Flat, smooth-soled shoes

• Extra-wide shoes

• Flip-flops or sandles

When ambulating a client, a HCW should

• Set the pace for the client to give her more exercise

• Walk behind the client with both hands on the gait belt

• Walk slightly behind the resident on her weaker side with hands under the gait belt for support

• Walk with her arm completely around the client's waist, grasping the gait belt

Transfer belts should be removed

• When the client is changing for bed

• If the client seems steady enough during ambulation

• By unbuckling and tugging firmly until it is off

• Slowly and gently to avoid friction on the resident's skin

When helping a client who is visually impaired to walk...

• the HCW should let the client walk beside and slightly behind him as she rests a hand on the HCW's elbow

• the HCW should let the client walk in front of him

• the HCW should let the client walk behind him

• the HCW should let the client walk beside and slightly in front of him as she rests a hand on the HCW's elbow

How should the HCW assist a client to stand, using proper body mechanics?

• The HCW should keep her hands under the client's armpits to help bear the client's weight evenly

• The HCW should sit beside the client and hold the gait belt as they stand up together on the count of three

• The HCW should face the same direction as the client and allow the client to grasp her as a support if needed

• The HCW should face the client and brace the client's knees with her own

How should the HCW assist a falling client?

• The HCW should get out of the way and let the client fall

• The HCW should move close to the client and use her body to lower the client to the floor

• The HCW should drop to the floor first in order to catch the client

• The HCW should step in front of the client to ensure that she falls backward instead of forward

When should a HCW gather his/her needed supplies?

• After he/she has begun a procedure

• Before he/she begins a procedure

• At the beginning of his/her shift

• Only after he/she has put on her gloves