What would "ambulatory" patients typically be able to do?

Ambulatory patients are those who are able to walk and move around without assistance. This term is typically used in healthcare to describe individuals who can perform basic mobility tasks, such as walking independently within a healthcare setting or at home. Being ambulatory indicates that the patient does not have significant mobility limitations that would require assistance or support to move from one place to another.

In the context of patient care, being ambulatory is essential for rehabilitation and recovery, as it often contributes to overall health improvement and decreases the risk of complications associated with prolonged immobility. For instance, ambulatory patients are more likely to engage in physical activity, which can enhance circulation and promote better respiratory function.

In contrast, patients who require full assistance, remain stationary, or are hospitalized do not meet the criteria for being labeled as ambulatory. Therefore, the definition and understanding of what constitutes an ambulatory patient align with being able to walk independently.