While performing a physical assessment, the nurse is unable to palpate the client's pedal pulses. Which action should the nurse take?

A. Notify the healthcare provider. While notifying the healthcare provider is important, it is not the immediate action to take. B. Apply warm blankets to both feet. Warm blankets can improve circulation but are not the immediate diagnostic step. C. Use a Doppler ultrasonic stethoscope. This is the best choice because a Doppler can help detect pulses that are not palpable, providing immediate diagnostic information. D. Palpate pulse points with legs dependent. Changing the position of the legs might help but is not as effective as using a Doppler for immediate assessment.