Before Ambulating a resident with a gait belt, what must you ensure?

• A. Bed wheels locked
• B. Client wearing shoes
• C. Bed at a safe level
• D. Provide prearranged signal to begin standing

Answer: (B)

When you use a gait belt to ambulate a resident, footwear that provides good traction is essential. Non-slip shoes help prevent slips or falls and protect the feet as the resident stands and walks, reducing the chance of injury if balance is challenged. Shoes also give you better footing as you support and guide the resident during movement.

While other safety steps like locking the bed wheels, adjusting the bed height to a safe level, and giving a clear signal to begin standing are important parts of the procedure, the most immediate and critical safety measure before ambulation is ensuring the resident is wearing secure, non-slip shoes. If footwear isn’t available, use appropriate non-slip footwear or postpone ambulation until it can be provided.