The nurse is having difficulty hearing his patient's apical pulse with his stethoscope. Which action will help the nurse hear the heartbeat more clearly?

Client A has normal vital signs except for a mild fever, no urgent intervention needed.

Client B shows mild tachycardia and increased respiratory rate, but oxygen saturation and blood pressure remain stable, requires monitoring but not immediate action.

Client C has fever, tachycardia, and tachypnea, suggesting infection or dehydration. While assessment is needed, the patient is not in immediate distress compared to Client D.

Client D requires immediate nursing intervention due to the following critical findings: Bradycardia which may indicate poor perfusion, conduction abnormalities, or medication side effects, bradypnea can signal respiratory depression or impending failure, hypotension suggests shock or decreased perfusion, which may lead to organ failure and hypoxia, oxygen saturation below 90% is a critical finding and requires immediate intervention.

A. Pulse of smooth contour with 2+ amplitude. A normal pulse should have a smooth upstroke and downstroke with a moderate (2+) amplitude, indicating adequate blood flow and cardiac function.
B. Heart rate of 62 beats/min. A normal resting heart rate for a healthy adult range from 60 to 100 beats per minute. A heart rate of 62 bpm is within this normal range.
C. S1 and S2 present with regular rhythm. The first (S1) and second (S2) heart sounds should be audible and regular, indicating normal closure of the heart valves and a steady cardiac rhythm.
D. Mild, pedal edema. Pedal edema is not a normal finding in a healthy adult and may indicate fluid retention or cardiovascular issues such as heart failure or venous insufficiency.