After holding a gait belt, what should the nursing assistant do next?

After securing a gait belt around a resident's waist, the most appropriate next step is to wait for the resident to gain balance. This ensures that the resident is stable before any movement occurs, which is crucial for their safety. The gait belt provides support, but the resident needs to feel secure and balanced before taking any steps. This practice minimizes the risk of falls and promotes confidence in the resident.

This step is vital, as it allows the nursing assistant to assess the resident's readiness to proceed safely. Once the resident indicates they are stable and ready, the assistant can then assist them in taking their first step, ensuring that any movement is controlled and safe. Other options, such as offering a drink or performing hand hygiene, are not immediate actions to take in the context of facilitating safe ambulation with a gait belt.