When is it appropriate to initiate ambulation in postoperative patients?

Initiating ambulation in postoperative patients as soon as possible, provided that vital signs are stable, is crucial for multiple reasons. Early ambulation helps prevent complications such as venous thromboembolism, pneumonia, and pressure ulcers. Patients who get up and move around can also experience improved circulation, which accelerates healing and reduces the risk of postoperative complications.

Timely ambulation is not solely dependent on a fixed timeframe, such as waiting for 24 hours after surgery or after a patient has consumed their first meal. Instead, the decision to ambulate should be based on the patient’s individual condition and stability. If a patient is alert, oriented, and has stable vital signs, they can often begin the process of getting up and moving, which contributes positively to their recovery.

While patient requests to ambulate are important, safety must be prioritized over simply responding to a patient's desires. The healthcare team must assess vitals and the overall postoperative recovery status to ensure that ambulation is done safely.