A pregnant client asks the nurse in the clinic when she will be able to begin to feel the fetus move. The nurse responds by telling the mother that fetal movements will be noted between which of the following weeks of gestation?

1. A

   6 and 8

2. B

   8 and 10

3. C

   10 and 12

4. D

   16 and 20

Appeared in: DHS Staff Nurse - 2018 (Shift-2nd)

Explanation

• The first perception of fetal movement by the mother is known as 'quickening.'.
• This significant pregnancy milestone typically occurs between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation.
• The timing can vary based on parity; first-time mothers (primigravidas) often feel it later (18-20 weeks), while mothers with previous pregnancies (multiparas) may feel it earlier (16-18 weeks).
• The range of 16-20 weeks correctly encompasses the typical onset for both primigravida and multipara clients.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: At 6 to 8 weeks, the embryo is very small, and while cardiac activity has begun, any movements are microscopic and cannot be felt by the mother.
• Option B: Between 8 and 10 weeks, the fetus is developing limbs, but the movements are still too slight and uncoordinated to be perceived through the uterine wall and abdominal layers.
• Option C: According to evidence (SRC_12924), although the fetus begins small, random movements between 10 and 12 weeks, they are too slight to be felt by the mother.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Maternal perception of fetal movement (quickening) to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
• Quickening is an important presumptive sign of pregnancy and a reassuring milestone for expectant parents, often enhancing maternal-fetal bonding.
• Nurses play a crucial role in educating clients about the expected timing of quickening to manage expectations and alleviate anxiety if movement isn't felt in the very early second trimester.
• A client's report of decreased fetal movement after it has been well established is a critical finding that requires immediate assessment to ensure fetal well-being.

How to Approach the Question

• First, identify the key concept in the question: the client is asking when she will "begin to feel the fetus move."
• Recognize that this clinical milestone is called 'quickening.'
• Recall the standard gestational age range for the onset of quickening from your knowledge of prenatal care.
• Evaluate the given options to find the one that aligns with the typical timeframe for quickening.
• Eliminate the options that are too early in gestation for fetal movements to be strong enough for maternal perception, even though the fetus is active at those stages.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Maternal perception of fetal movement (quickening)
• Stem keywords: pregnant client, feel the fetus move, weeks of gestation
• Lead-in keywords: when
• Clinical cues: Age/sex group narrows the expected diagnosis, intervention, or normal reference range.

Question ID

QO-7rYc_4Gy4YDVXOGiBRA

Copy ID

Reference Book

E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur pp. 50-60, 62-76