{"id":1759,"date":"2024-09-26T18:31:32","date_gmt":"2024-09-26T22:31:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/hcalabtheoryandpractice\/chapter\/client-ambulation-using-assistive-devices-2\/"},"modified":"2024-10-07T17:26:51","modified_gmt":"2024-10-07T21:26:51","slug":"client-ambulation-using-assistive-devices","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/hcalabtheoryandpractice\/chapter\/client-ambulation-using-assistive-devices\/","title":{"raw":"8.8 Client Ambulation Using Assistive Devices","rendered":"8.8 Client Ambulation Using Assistive Devices"},"content":{"raw":"Immobility in hospitalized clients is known to cause functional decline and complications affecting the respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, integumentary, musculoskeletal, and renal systems (Kalisch, Lee, & Dabney, 2013). For surgical clients, early ambulation is the most significant factor in preventing complications (Sanguinetti, Wild, & Fain, 2014). Lack of mobility and ambulation can be especially devastating to\u00a0the older adult when the aging process causes a more rapid decline in function (Graf, 2006). Ambulation provides not only improved physical function, but also improves emotional and social well-being (Kalisch, Lee, & Dabney, 2013).\r\n\r\nPrior to assisting a client to ambulate, it is important to perform a point-of-care risk assessment to determine how much assistance will be required. This assessment evaluates a client\u2019s muscle strength, activity tolerance, and ability to move, as well as the need to use assistive devices or find additional help. The amount of assistance will depend on the client\u2019s condition, length of stay and procedure, and any previous mobility restrictions.\r\n\r\nBefore ambulating, the client may need assistance getting to a sitting position.\r\n

Assisting Client to the Sitting Position<\/h1>\r\nClients who have been immobile for a long period of time may experience [pb_glossary id=\"512\"]vertigo[\/pb_glossary], a sensation of dizziness, and [pb_glossary id=\"489\"]orthostatic hypotension[\/pb_glossary], a form of low blood pressure that occurs when changing position from lying down to sitting, making the client feel dizzy, faint, or lightheaded (Potter et al., 2017). For this reason, always begin the ambulation process by sitting the client on the side of the bed for a few minutes with legs dangling. Checklist 8.8.1 outlines the steps to positioning the client on the side of a bed prior to ambulation (Perry et al., 2018).\r\n
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Checklist 8.8.1: Assisting a Client to a Sitting Position<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Disclaimer:\u00a0Always review and follow your agency policy regarding this specific skill.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\r\nSafety considerations:\u00a0<\/b><\/em>\r\n