While using a Doppler device at 12 weeks of gestation, what action should the nurse take?

When using a Doppler device at 12 weeks of gestation to assess fetal heart tones, counting the radial pulse of the client while auscultating fetal heart tones provides a method for distinguishing between the mother's heart rate and the fetal heart rate. This is crucial because, at this early stage in pregnancy, it can be challenging to obtain clear fetal heart tones due to factors such as the position of the fetus, maternal body habitus, or the equipment being used.

By monitoring the mother's pulse simultaneously, the nurse can more accurately identify the source of the sound they are hearing. This helps ensure that the assessment is reliable and allows for better interpretation of the findings. It reinforces the need for critical assessment skills when determining fetal well-being, especially given the gestational age.

The ability to recognize and differentiate between the maternal and fetal heart rates is vital in early pregnancy assessments. It enables healthcare providers to provide appropriate care and education to the client based on the fetal heart activity observed.