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ExamReady CNA
All skills
Safety & Mobility

Assisting with Ambulation

Use a gait belt. Walk on the patient's weak side. The patient goes UP stairs with the strong leg first, and DOWN stairs with the weak leg first. Stand to the side and slightly behind.

5-10 minutes•14 steps•2 critical
Belt on, weak side first, watch the feet — never the elevator.

Why this matters

Belt on, weak side first, watch the feet — never the elevator.

Quick tips

  • Shoes before the stand: the client is never stood up in socks or bare feet.
  • Let the client sit at the bed edge for a moment before standing and ask how they feel. A drop in blood pressure on standing can cause dizziness.
  • The belt goes on snug, but you should still be able to slide your fingers under it. In the exam you may not bring your own belt.

Common mistakes

  • Standing the client in socks or bare feet. This is critical; slick feet slip, and missing it fails the skill.
  • Letting the client stand while their feet are tucked under the bed or dangling. This is critical; they cannot push up or balance without feet flat.
  • Forgetting to check the bed wheels. The bed can roll when the client pushes off it, and the client falls.
  • Walking in front of the client, or beside them with your hands on their arms. You lose the belt as a handle.