Which of the following best describes the meaning of ambulate?

• A. To stand still
• B. To diagnose
• C. To walk
• D. To sleep

Answer: (C)

Ambulate means to move about on foot. In healthcare, it refers to a patient’s ability to walk from place to place, with or without assistance. That makes walking the best description of ambulation. Standing still isn’t ambulating, diagnosing isn’t about movement, and sleeping isn’t movement either. In practice, clinicians assess ambulation to determine if a patient can walk independently, needs a walker or cane, or should avoid walking due to a medical condition.