Chapter 13 Assisting with Mobility 391 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 19. To have the patient get up from a chair, put the walker in front of the chair. Have the patient move forward in the chair, placing her hands on the arms of the chair and pushing up. She should then move her hands to the grips of the walker. The patient should stand for enough time to be sure she has stability and balance before beginning to ambulate. 20. When ambulation is complete, help the patient return to her room (or bed). Remove and put away the gait belt, robe, walker, and shoes. Follow-up 21. Make sure the patient is safe and comfortable. Place the call light and personal items within easy reach. 22. Wash your hands to ensure infection control. Reporting and Documentation 23. Communicate any specifi c observations, complications, or unusual responses to the appropriate provider. Also record this information in the patient’s chart or EMR. Check Your Understanding 1. Describe the types of assistive devices that can be used to help someone ambulate, and explain under what conditions each type should be selected. 2. Describe the proper fit of a cane. 3. Identify four types of crutches. 4. Describe the procedure you should use if a patient starts to collapse when he or she is walking with a cane, crutches, or a walker. Positioning, Turning, Lifting, and Transferring Patients Some healthcare workers, particularly those working in a hospital or long-term care facility, have the responsibility of monitoring and changing patient or resident positions. This may include positioning a patient in bed, lifting the patient, or helping (transferring) the patient into a wheelchair. Patient positions must be changed because being in any position, even one that feels comfortable, can become unbearable after a long period of time. It can also be helpful to reposition patients who are restless, uncomfortable, or having trouble sleeping. An immobile patient should be repositioned at least every two hours, whether he is in a bed or seated in a chair. Some patients may need to be repositioned more often. Benefi ts of Positioning There are many reasons why it is important that a patient’s position is changed periodically and that she is positioned correctly: 1. to increase comfort and to help the patient relax 2. to restore body function—changing positions can improve respiratory and gastrointestinal function and stimulate circulation