Define ambulation.

• A. The act of sleeping
• B. The act of breathing
• C. The act of walking or ability to walk
• D. The act of eating

Answer: (C)

Ambulation refers to walking or the ability to walk. In medical and nursing contexts, it describes a person’s mobility on foot—whether they can move around independently or with assistance such as a cane, walker, or other device. This measure helps gauge functional independence, safety, and rehabilitation progress, since factors like leg strength, balance, pain, and neurological or musculoskeletal status influence how well someone can ambulate. It’s different from sleeping, breathing, or eating, which are other bodily functions and activities.