
What does it mean to ambulate?
To ambulate is to move by means of walking, parallel to the way brachiate means to move by means of swinging with your arms from hold to hold. To perambulate is to walk through, or to traverse, something. Perambulate therefore can take an object to be traversed.
What does it mean to ambulate effectively?
SSA defines effective ambulation in specific terms. In order to ambulate or walk effectively, an individual must be able to walk without a hand-held device that would otherwise prevent an individual from using at least one upper extremity to carry items. For example, a person must use his/her hands to operate a walker or a manual wheelchair.
What does ambulate means?
ambulate ( ˈæmbjʊˌleɪt) vb ( intr) to wander about or move from one place to another [C17: from Latin ambulāre to walk, amble] ˌambuˈlation n Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014 am•bu•late (ˈæm byəˌleɪt) v.i. -lat•ed, -lat•ing.
What is the meaning of ambulate?
am·bu·late. (ăm′byə-lāt′) intr.v. am·bu·lat·ed, am·bu·lat·ing, am·bu·lates. To walk from place to place; move about. [Latin ambulāre, ambulāt-, to walk; see ambhi in Indo-European roots .]

What does ambulating a client mean?
Introduction. Ambulation means “walking,” and your client might need to ambulate to get to places or may need to do it to prevent atrophy, which is when muscles waste away from prolonged bed rest.
What is an example of ambulation?
Ambulation (walking with or without use of an assistive device, e.g., walker, cane or crutches; or using a wheelchair).
What does it mean to ambulate a person?
Ambulation is the ability to walk without the need for any kind of assistance. It is most often used when describing the goals of a patient after a surgery or physical therapy.
How do you ambulate a patient?
Assist patient by standing in front of the patient, grasping each side of the gait belt, keeping back straight and knees bent. The patient should be cooperative and predictable, able to bear weight on own legs and to have good trunk control. Apply gait belt if required for additional support.
What are the three stages of ambulation?
Nurses described patients as being in one of three phases: acutely ill, recovering, and getting-ready-for-discharge.
How often should you ambulate a patient?
3 times per dayPatients ambulate at least 3 times per day, out of the room and in the hallway, or about 250 feet. To make sure patients get up out of bed to walk, tell them how far they need to walk and how many times a day they need to do it, but let them choose their schedule.
What is another term for ambulate?
amble, foot, pace, perambulate, step, traipse, walk.
What is the difference between ambulation and mobility?
Mobility is movement in general, such as moving one's limbs or experiencing a range of motion in the joints. Ambulation, on the other hand, specifically relates to walking without assistance.
What general actions would you take when assisting a person to ambulate?
Assist patient by standing in front of the patient, grasping each side of the gait belt, keeping back straight and knees bent. The patient should be cooperative and predictable, able to bear weight on own legs and to have good trunk control. Apply gait belt if required for additional support.
What is the first nursing action when preparing a patient to ambulate?
For this reason, always begin a transfer or ambulation process by sitting the patient on the side of the bed for a few minutes with their legs dangling. Begin by explaining to the patient what will happen and how they can help. Determine if additional assistance or a mechanical lift is needed.
How do you ambulate a patient with a walker?
0:000:57How to Use a Walker | How to Walk (Ambulate) with a Walker - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst they will lift. And move the walker forward. And then make sure all four points of the walkerMoreFirst they will lift. And move the walker forward. And then make sure all four points of the walker are touching the ground then they will move the weakside.
What does unable to ambulate mean?
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the inability to ambulate effectively means an extreme limitation of the ability to walk due to an impairment that interferes very seriously with an individual's ability to initiate, sustain independently, or complete activities.
What is another term for ambulation?
nounwalk taken for health benefit. airing. ambulation. perambulation. ramble.
What is the difference between ambulation and mobility?
Mobility is movement in general, such as moving one's limbs or experiencing a range of motion in the joints. Ambulation, on the other hand, specifically relates to walking without assistance.
What does not ambulate mean?
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the inability to ambulate effectively means an extreme limitation of the ability to walk due to an impairment that interferes very seriously with an individual's ability to initiate, sustain independently, or complete activities.
What is the difference between ambulatory and non ambulatory?
Patients were classified as ambulatory or non-ambulatory based on the self-reported ability to walk 150 feet, walk one block, and climb one flight of stairs. Patients who could perform all the activities were classified as ambulatory; those who could perform none of the activities were classified as non-ambulatory.
What is the purpose of ambulation?
The purpose of ambulation is to allow for the patient to have the benefits of being ambulatory, even if they cannot stand up and walk by themselves.
What does ambulate mean?
Ambulate means to walk or move about without any kind of assistance. It is a term used for patients who are mobile, or whose goal is mobility.
What is the difference between ambulation and mobility?
Mobility is the ability of a patient to move freely about on their own. Ambulation is the goal of a patient to be able to stand up and walk. Ambula...
How do you ambulate a patient?
To ambulate a patient, one must rotate them at least every two hours if they are immobile. There are a variety of devices that can assist with movi...
What does it mean when a patient is ambulatory?
When a Patient Is Ambulatory. Healthcare professionals may refer to a patient as ambulatory. This means the patient is able to walk around. After surgery or medical treatment, a patient may be unable to walk unassisted. Once the patient is able to do so, he is noted to be ambulatory.
What Does Ambulatory Mean?
The word ambulatory is an adjective that means "related to walking," or ambulation. It is used in several different ways in medical care situations. It can refer to a type of patient and care setting, what a patient is able to do (namely, walk), or for equipment and procedures that can be used while walking or by outpatients.
What are the devices used to help people walk?
Ambulatory assistive devices are used to help people walk. They include canes, crutches, and walkers .
What is ambulatory blood pressure monitoring?
An example is ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. A patient wears a portable blood pressure cuff for 24 hours while he goes about his usual activities. The results are synced to a computer for analysis of the data. This gives doctors have a clear picture of how his blood pressure changes throughout a normal day.
What is an emergency department?
Emergency departments in a hospital are ambulatory settings, although a patient may then be admitted and become an inpatient. Same-day surgery centers in hospitals. Day treatment centers. Mental health services. Vision care. Dental care.
What does "ambulatory" mean in medical terms?
The word ambulatory is an adjective that means "related to walking," or ambulation. It is used in several different ways in medical care situations. It can refer to a type of patient and care setting, what a patient is able to do (namely, walk), or for equipment and procedures that can be used while walking or by outpatients.
What does "ambulatory care nurse" mean?
For example, you might see the title Ambulatory Care Nurse or Ambulatory Care Social Worker. This means that these people work strictly with outpatients.
What is Ambulation?
Ambulation is a person's ability to walk under their own power. It is typically used in a medical context when physicians discuss a patient's goals after surgery or physical therapy. A common medical goal involving ambulation is to help an immobile patient become ambulatory.
Why is ambulation important?
Ambulation is essential for immobile patients. When a patient is immobile, a nurse or caregiver must mimic ambulation in order for their body to reap its benefits. Without ambulation, an abundance of problems can develop. Some of the benefits of ambulation are:
Why do nurses turn patients in bed?
Turning a patient in bed is the primary method that nurses use to help patients reap the benefits of ambulation. Being in bed for an extended period of time without getting up can cause pressure on the body, and if left in one area, this pressure can form bed sores, also known as decubitus ulcers. The best practice to prevent these ulcers from forming is to turn an immobile patient in bed every 2 hours.
What happens if a patient is not ambulatory?
If a patient is not ambulatory, that patient's nurse must assist them with mimicking ambulation so that they can still enjoy its benefits. There is more to ambulation than a patient simply getting where they want to go. The benefits of ambulation will be discussed in greater detail later on in this lesson.
How does ambulation help the body?
Circulation: Ambulation helps blood circulate through the body via the circulatory system, which in turn helps supply more oxygenated blood to the brain.
How does ambulation help with muscle health?
Ambulation helps prevent this process by maintaining muscle strength and bone health.
When did nurses start ambulatory surgery?
Nurses developed ambulation in the 1940s based on the fact that patients who become ambulatory sooner after surgery suffer nausea and vomiting less often. They also have less abdominal distention and less post-operative pain, with the pain that patients do experience often requiring fewer narcotic medications to alleviate. In 1966, research emerged which illustrated that patients should strive to become ambulatory as soon as the anesthesia from surgery wears off. Further research on the subject in 2004 illustrated that the benefits of ambulation could also be applied in a pediatric setting.
Examples of ambulate in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web Sternburg who had recently recovered from a foot injury, was reappreciating her ability to ambulate at the same time as the world had withdrawn. — Tom Teicholz, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2021
History and Etymology for ambulate
borrowed from Latin ambulātus, past participle of ambulāre "to go by foot, walk, walk for pleasure or exercise, travel" — more at amble entry 1
Why is ambulation important for recovery?
Why is Ambulation Important to Recovery? Ambulation is the ability to walk from place to place independently, with or without assistive devices. Early walking is one of the most crucial things seniors can do after surgery to prevent postoperative complications. Walking is a low-intensity activity which is ideal for most seniors who are recovering ...
Why do people not walk around?
Patients who can get up and go to the bathroom are less likely to experience incontinence. • When a person’s bones do not bear weight, they lose minerals which can lead to osteoporosis. • Patients who do not walk around experience more stress than those who start early ambulation.
Why is it important to walk after surgery?
Benefits of early ambulation after surgery: • Walking promotes blood flow of oxygen throughout the body while maintaining normal breathing functions. • Ambulation stimulates circulation which can help stop the development of stroke -causing blood clots. • Walking improves blood flow which aids in quicker wound healing.
Why do people ambulate?
Ambulation means “walking,” and your client might need to ambulate to get to places or may need to do it to prevent atrophy, which is when muscles waste away from prolonged bed rest. Other health problems from long-term immobility include: decreased cardiovascular and pulmonary functions, poor digestion, pressure ulcers, contractures, urinary problems, and many others. So, even if they require assistance, clients are encouraged to ambulate frequently.
How to assist in ambulation?
Next let’s look at assisting in ambulation. When the client is in the dangling position, help them put on a gait or transfer belt. Before they stand up, make sure their feet are flat on the ground and have them hold the edge of the bed with both hands.
How to ambulate a client?
Figure 5: Considerations for ambulation A. Stand behind a client when going up the stairs; stand in front of a client when going down the stairs. B. IV pole should stay on the client's stronger side. C. If using a gait belt, hold with both hands at the middle of the back. D. If the client falls, pull on the gait belt and ease client towards their stronger side, letting them slowly slide to the floor.
What to do when ambulating a child?
During ambulation, encourage them to walk normally without shuffling or sliding.
When assisting someone with crutches going up stairs, stand behind them?
When assisting someone with crutches going up stairs, stand behind them; for people going down stairs , stand in front of them.
