Assisting the Client with Ambulation

Purpose – to provide a safe condition for the client

to walk with whatever support is needed.

Materials – Slippers, housecoat, gait belt (optional)

1.Introduce & Explain

2.Hand Hygiene
3.Ensure that the client is appropriately dressed
to walk & has shoes or slippers with nonskid
soles.
4.Prepare the client for ambulation
5.Ensure safety while assisting the client during
ambulation
6.Protect the client who begins to fall while
ambulating.

Using Medical Aids for Walking

1.Cane-standard straight-legged cane, quad
cane (4 feet)
 2.Walker-2 wheeled walker, standard walker
3.Crutches-axillary, platform, Loftstrand
crutch(refer pp1151-1154:Fund of Nsg)
Cane
a.Maximum Support
1.Move Forward about 30cm. – 1ft.
2.Move Affected leg forward to the cane
3.Move the unaffected leg forward ahead of the
leg.
4.Repeat the steps.
b.Less Support
1.Move the cane & weak leg forward at the
same time.
2.Move the stronger leg forward.
Walkers
a.Maximum Support
1.Move the walker ahead about 15cm. or 6
inch.
2.Move the right foot up to the walker.
3.Move the left foot up to the right foot.
b.If 1 Leg is weaker than the other.
 1.Move the walker & the weak leg ahead
together about 15cm.
2.Move the stronger leg ahead.
Crutches
1.Follow the plan of exercise.
2.Have a health care professional establish the
correct length of crutches.
3.The weight of the body should be borne by
the arms.
4.Maintain an erect position.
5.Each step should be in comfortable distance.
6.Inspect the crutch tips regularly.
7.Wear shoes with a low heel that grips the
floor.
4-point-alternate gait – requires coordination
a.Move the right crutch ahead a suitable
distance (4-6 inch)
b.Move the left front foot forward to the level
of the left crutch.
c. Move the left crutch forward then right foot
forward.
3 point –gait – bear the entire body weight on the
unaffected leg.
a.Move both crutches & the weaker leg
forward.
b.Move the stronger leg forward.
2 point alternate gait – faster than 4 gait
a.Move the left crutch & the right foot forward
together.
b.Move the right crutch & the left foot ahead
together.
Swing-to gait – Clients with paralysis of the legs &
hips.
a.Move both crutches ahead together.
b.Lift body weight by the arms and swing to the
crutches.
Swing through gait – requires skill, strength &
Coordination.
a.Move both crutches forward together
b. Lift body weight by the arms & swing through

the beyond crutch.