Ambulate
Formal Definition
To walk or move about under one's own power or with assistance; in clinical usage, ambulation is a key functional milestone and therapeutic intervention for hospitalized patients.
How It's Used on the Ward
"Get him up to ambulate" or "ambulating with PT" — a daily goal for most admitted patients. Immobility is its own pathology.
Example
""Post-op day 1 after knee replacement: PT in twice today. Patient ambulated 30 feet with a walker — made it to the hallway and back. Good progress. Pain controlled with PO opioids.""
Clinical Context
Early ambulation reduces PE risk, prevents hospital-acquired deconditioning, speeds return of bowel function post-surgery, lowers pneumonia risk, and shortens length of stay. "Ambulate" appears in most order sets as a default. If a patient cannot ambulate, document why and what the plan is — not ambulating is a problem that needs an active plan, not just an accepted state. PT/OT are your allies here.