The nurse is preparing to teach a client how to perform daily fetal kick counts. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to give the client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Call provider if at least three movements are not felt in 1 hour. This instruction is crucial because decreased fetal movements can indicate potential fetal distress. By advising the client to contact the healthcare provider if fewer than three movements are felt in an hour, the nurse is emphasizing the importance of promptly seeking medical attention when there may be a concern for the baby's well-being.
A: Counting kicks prior to eating a meal is not as important as monitoring the baby's movements consistently throughout the day.
B: Lying on the back when counting kicks is not recommended, as it can reduce blood flow to the uterus and potentially affect the baby.
D: Counting all movements over 1 hour may not capture a decrease in movements that could be a cause for concern, as the focus should be on monitoring a specific minimum number of movements within a set timeframe.
In summary, the correct answer emphasizes the need for prompt action in case of decreased fetal movements, while