Patient Care Technician Certification (PCTC) AMCA Practice Exam 2026 - Free Patient Care Technician Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary purpose of using a gait belt is to assist and support patients during transfers and ambulation. Gait belts provide a safe way for caregivers to hold and stabilize a patient while helping them move, sit, or stand. This tool is particularly important for patients who may have limited mobility, weakness, or balance issues.

Using a gait belt allows the caregiver to have a secure grip, which helps in preventing falls and ensuring both the patient’s and the caregiver's safety. It is not intended to enhance mobility directly; rather, it serves as a safety mechanism during movement. While monitoring vital signs and securing a patient in bed are important tasks in patient care, these are not functions served by a gait belt. The primary focus remains on providing support and assistance during movement, making option B the correct answer.