The nurse is helping the patient to walk.Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Before helping the patient to walk, the nurse should assess the patient's activity tolerance, strength, and balance to determine the level of assistance needed and to ensure the patient's safety. This assessment will also help the nurse to plan further interventions such as the use of assistive devices, the need for a second helper, or the need for a rest period before ambulating. Supporting the patient with a gait belt and having a second nurse nearby are important safety measures, but should be done after assessing the patient's ability to walk. Helping the patient to sit at the side of the bed for one or two minutes is not necessarily required before ambulating and may delay the patient's progress towards mobilization.

The Nurse Is Helping the Patient to Walk