Final answer:
The correct response is 'a) You may be further along than you think; we'll do an ultrasound to confirm.' This aligns with the expected timeline of feeling fetal movements in the second trimester, around weeks 16-20, and ultrasound can accurately confirm the pregnancy status and fetal development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best response by the nurse when a client comes to the prenatal clinic for the first visit, stating that their last menstrual period was 5 months ago and that they have felt the baby move would be: a) You may be further along than you think; we'll do an ultrasound to confirm. This response is most appropriate because it aligns with the normal timeline of pregnancy progression and fetal development. During the second trimester, specifically around weeks 16-20, pregnant individuals often begin to feel fetal movements, also known as quickening. An ultrasound can provide a visual confirmation of the fetus's size, development stage, and gestational age.
The second trimester is known as a period of increased energy for the pregnant person, with subsiding nausea and vomiting if they were present in the first trimester. This is also the time when weight gain becomes more noticeable. At approximately week 20, the fetus is large enough for its movements to be felt by the pregnant individual. Conducting an ultrasound is valuable for both confirming the gestational age and for assessing the fetus's development, including organ function and overall health.