The nurse detects a possible extra heart sound while assessing an adult client. To verify this finding, which action should the nurse take?

A. Use a Doppler ultrasound to hear the heartbeat. A Doppler ultrasound is used to assess blood flow in peripheral arteries and veins, not to detect extra heart sounds. It is not the appropriate tool for verifying abnormal cardiac sounds. B. Auscultate for one minute with the stethoscope's diaphragm. The diaphragm of the stethoscope is best for detecting high-pitched sounds such as normal heartbeats, murmurs, and pericardial friction rubs. However, extra heart sounds (e.g., S3 or S4) are usually low-pitched and better heard with the bell of the stethoscope. C. Obtain a pulse oximeter reading from two extremities. Pulse oximetry measures oxygen saturation and does not help in detecting or verifying extra heart sounds. D. Listen to the heart sounds using the bell of a stethoscope. The bell is designed to detect low-pitched sounds, such as S3, S4, and certain murmurs. It is placed lightly on the chest to pick up subtle vibrations, making it the best tool for verifying extra heart sounds.