What is the first step in helping a patient to walk?

• A. Assess the patient's ability to walk safely.
• B. Apply gait belt before any assessment
• C. Instruct patient to take a few steps without assessment
• D. Ensure patient has shoes

Answer: (A)

Assessing the patient’s ability to walk safely is the first step because you must determine whether ambulation is safe before providing any hands-on help. This quick safety check looks for balance and strength, pain, dizziness or lightheadedness, cognitive ability, pain meds or recent procedures, and potential hazards in the environment. It guides what you’ll need next—whether the patient can ambulate with or without assistance, whether a gait belt or other assistive device is appropriate, and whether shoes and a clear path are ready. Jumping straight to moving the patient or applying a gait belt without this assessment can miss problems like orthostatic hypotension, weakness, or clutter in the environment that could lead to a fall. While proper footwear and the use of a gait belt are important parts of safe walking, they aren’t sufficient on their own without first confirming safety through assessment.