Final answer:
The purpose of fetal kick counts is to monitor the movements of the fetus and ensure its well-being. Patient instructions include choosing a time of the day when the baby is most active and counting the number of kicks or movements within a certain time period.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of fetal kick counts is to monitor the movements of the fetus and ensure its well-being. It helps to track the health and development of the baby during pregnancy. Fetal kick counts are usually measured around the third trimester of pregnancy, starting around 28 weeks.
To prepare patient instructions for fetal kick counts, you can advise the patient to choose a time of the day when the baby is most active and lie on their left side. They can then count the number of kicks, movements, or hiccups felt within a certain time period, usually an hour. The goal is to feel at least 10 movements within that time frame.