Question

The nurse is explaining the importance of fetal activity assessment to the patient. What should the nurse do to best reinforce the significance of fetal kick counting to the patient?

A. Perform daily phone calls to the patient at work or home
B. Review the patient's written record of fetal movement at each visit
C. Ask the patient to remember to count the fetal movements
D. Explain the rationale for counting fetal movement to the patient

Answer 1

The nurse should explain the rationale for counting fetal movements and encourage the patient to maintain and review a written record at each visit to monitor the baby's health.

Step-by-step explanation:

To best reinforce the significance of fetal kick counting to the patient, the nurse should explain the rationale for counting fetal movements to the patient. This explanation should include how regular counting can help monitor the baby's health and may alert the healthcare provider to any potential issues. Additionally, the nurse should encourage the patient to keep a written record of fetal movements and review it at each prenatal visit, as this can provide a clear picture of the baby's activity patterns and help detect any changes that may warrant further investigation. Fetal movements are particularly important as they indicate the health and well-being of the fetus, and changes in the baby's typical movement pattern can be an early indicator of distress.