Title: (Optional) Assist patient/client in ambulation, including use of assistive devices.
Course: Health Assisting Careers (14002-36) > Section: Providing for Basic Health Needs

Assistance should include following guidelines and patient/client care plan for

- assisting patients/clients in safe ambulation using various equipment (e.g., walkers, canes, crutches)
- adjusting assistive devices
- implementing fall prevention guidelines.

For students taking the nurse aide credential at the end of the course, follow the Virginia Board of Nursing regulations: Commonwealth of Virginia Regulations Governing Certified Nurse Aides, Virginia Board of Nursing (https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing/PractitionerResources/LawsRegulations/).

Process/Skill Questions:

- What factors may affect a patient’s/client’s ability to ambulate?
- If a patient’s/client’s left leg is injured, in which hand should he/she use the cane? Why?
- How can the health assistant determine the adjustments needed for assistive devices?