Skill Checklists for Taylor's Clinical Nursing Skills: A Nursing Process Approach

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Copyright © 2011 by Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Skill Checklists for Taylor's Clinical Nursing Skills:

Skill Checklists for Taylor's Clinical Nursing Skills:
A Nursing Process Approach, 3rd edition

Name Date

Unit Position

Instructor/Evaluator: Position

SKILL 9-8

Assisting a Patient With Ambulation

Using a Walker

Goal:The patient ambulates safely with the walker and is

free from falls or injury. Comments

1. Review the medical record and nursing plan of care for
   conditions that may influence the patient’s ability to move
   and ambulate, and for specific instructions for ambulation
   such as distance. Assess for tubes, IV lines, incisions, or
   equipment that may alter the procedure for ambulation.
   Assess the patient’s knowledge and previous experience
   regarding the use of a walker. Identify any movement
   limitations.


2. Perform hand hygiene. Put on PPE, if indicated.


3. Identify the patient. Explain the procedure to the patient.
   Tell the patient to report any feelings of dizziness, weakness,
   or shortness of breath while walking. Decide how far to
   walk.


4. Place the bed in the lowest position, if the patient is in bed.
   5.Encourage the patient to make use of a stand-assist aid,
   either free-standing or attached to the side of the bed, if
   available, to move to the side of the bed.


5. Assist the patient to the side of the bed, if necessary. Have
   the patient sit on the side of the bed. Assess for dizziness
   or lightheadedness. Have the patient stay seated until he or
   she feels secure.


6. Assist the patient to put on footwear and a robe, if desired.


7. Wrap the gait belt around the patient’s waist, based on
   assessed need and facility policy.
   9.Place the walker directly in front of the patient.Ask the
   patient to push him- or herself off the bed or chair; make
   use of the stand-assist device, or assist the patient to stand.
   Once the patient is standing, have him or her hold the
   walker’s hand grips firmly and equally. Stand slightly
   behind the patient, on one side.


8. Have the patient move the walker forward 6 to 8 inches
   and set it down, making sure all four feet of the walker
   stay on the floor. Then, tell the patient to step forward
   with either foot into the walker, supporting him- or herself
   on his or her arms. Follow through with the other leg.

ExcellentSatisfactoryNeeds Practice