ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

An ambulatory patient is one who:

1. is able to walk

2. is unable to walk

3. has difficulty breathing

4. arrives by ambulance

The correct answer is: is able to walk

An ambulatory patient is defined as someone who is able to walk and move independently. This classification is significant within healthcare settings because it helps determine the level of care and assistance that might be necessary during treatment or during the patient's time in a facility. Ambulatory patients typically can travel to and from appointments without the need for specialized transport, which influences scheduling and resource allocation in a healthcare environment. The other choices do not accurately capture the meaning of 'ambulatory.' Patients who are unable to walk would not fall into the ambulatory category, as their condition prevents mobility. Difficulty breathing pertains to a symptom that can affect individuals regardless of their ability to walk and does not relate to the definition of ambulatory. While patients who arrive by ambulance may require urgent care or assistance, this does not inherently define their ability to walk; they could still be ambulatory or non-ambulatory.