What is the initial step in the process of assisting a person to ambulate?

The initial step in assisting a person to ambulate is performing hand hygiene. This practice is vital to ensure the safety and health of both the caregiver and the individual being assisted. By washing hands or using hand sanitizer before any patient interaction, you significantly reduce the risk of transferring harmful pathogens that could lead to infections.

Establishing proper hygiene practices is a crucial foundational step in any caregiving situation. It sets a professional tone and demonstrates respect for the health of the resident, aligning with standard infection control protocols. Therefore, hand hygiene is not merely a procedural formality but a fundamental practice in promoting the well-being of both the caregiver and the person receiving care.

The other options, while important steps in the overall procedure of ambulation, are secondary to the essential requirement for hand hygiene. Preparing a gait belt, helping the resident stand, and placing assistive devices like a walker are tasks that can only be performed once proper hand hygiene has been established to ensure a safe and clean caregiving environment.