What is the first starred step when assisting a person to ambulate using a cane/walker?

The first starred step when assisting a person to ambulate using a cane or walker is performing hand hygiene. This step is crucial for infection control and patient safety. Performing hand hygiene ensures that any potential pathogens or contaminants are removed from the caregiver's hands before coming into contact with the patient. This practice helps to prevent the transmission of infections, which is particularly important in healthcare settings where patients may have compromised immune systems.

Prior to assisting a patient with ambulation, it establishes a clean and safe environment, promoting overall wellbeing. Following this critical step, the caregiver can then proceed with necessary preparations, such as adjusting the bed height or positioning themselves appropriately to provide support.