What does "up ad lib" mean?

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What does "up ad lib" mean?????

I see this written a lot! I looked it up in the medical dictionary, and it is short for "ad liberum", meaning "as desired".

But if a pt is not in distress, talking, and walking around - the nurse will say,

"He is up ad lib."...it doesn't make sense why "up as desired" would describe the patient's behavior.

Please help my brain.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

The pt is able to have activity as he desires. If he wants to wander the halls all day and night, that's fine. That's all it means.

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memphispanda said:
The pt is able to have activity as he desires. If he wants to wander the halls all day and night, that's fine. That's all it means.

Cool! Thanks, Panda!

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memphispanda said:
The pt is able to have activity as he desires. If he wants to wander the halls all day and night, that's fine. That's all it means.

Up ad lib= free to make you crazy for the rest of your shift.

No, I am just kidding.

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