Question

A nurse is teaching a woman how to do "kick counts." What information about this assessment is most appropriate? a. Notify your provider if the baby's movement patterns change. b. Count the number of fetal movements over 2 hours. c. Call the OB triage area if there are fewer than 10 movements/hour. d. Have your partner verify your count at the same time you perform it.

Answer 1

The key aspect of prenatal 'kick counts' is recognizing changes in the baby's normal movement pattern and contacting a healthcare provider if significant changes occur.

Step-by-step explanation:

Instructing a mother on how to perform kick counts is part of prenatal care to monitor the well-being of a fetus. Each of the statements provided gives necessary insight, but the most central is: 'Notify your provider if the baby's movement patterns change.'

Bearing in mind that every baby is unique, it's crucial to pay attention to the specific pattern of movements that is normal for your baby. Therefore, any significant change in the baby's usual movement pattern should be reported to your healthcare provider immediately as it might indicate a possible complication.

Kick counts are usually counted over a 2-hour period, not per hour. Whereas, having your partner verify your count could be helpful but not a necessity.

Learn more about Kick Counts