How should a nurse respond to a patient unsure of how to do fetal kick counts?

When a patient is unsure about how to perform fetal kick counts, it's important for the nurse to provide clear, practical guidance. Explaining that fetal movements are indicators of the baby's well-being is crucial for reassuring the patient. Furthermore, suggesting a method for counting those movements empowers the patient and helps her feel more engaged in her pregnancy care.

Fetal kick counts are a way for expectant mothers to monitor their baby's health by counting the number of movements they feel within a specified time frame. This practice is particularly emphasized for women in the later stages of pregnancy, as it can be an early warning sign of potential issues if the fetus is less active than usual. Providing a structured method—like counting kicks during a set period each day—can help the patient understand the process and normalize the experience.

The other options do not adequately address the patient's need for clear instructions and may undermine the importance of monitoring fetal movements. Providing an information sheet might be a helpful resource, but it does not engage the patient in an active learning process. Informing that kick counts are unnecessary for low-risk pregnancies might lead to undervaluing the practice altogether. Lastly, stating that kick counts are unreliable during the third trimester can discourage the patient from actively monitoring fetal activity, which is contrary