The patient has been in bed for several days and needs to be ambulated.Before ambulation,the nurse
A) Removes the gait belt to allow for unrestricted movement.
B) Has the patient get up from bed before he has a chance to get dizzy.
C) Has the patient look down to watch his feet to prevent tripping.
D) Dangles the patient on the side of the bed.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Some patients experience orthostatic hypotension-a drop in blood pressure that occurs when the patient changes from a horizontal to a vertical position.Assist the patient to a position of sitting at the side of the bed,and dangle for 1 to 2 minutes before standing.The nurse needs to provide support at the waist so that the patient's center of gravity remains midline.This is achieved with the use of a gait belt.A gait belt encircles the patient's waist and may have handles attached for the nurse to hold while the patient ambulates.The patient should maintain as normal a walking posture as possible with the head erect.

The Patient Has Been in Bed for Several Days and Needs