How should a nurse monitor two fetal heart rates in a client delivering twins?

Monitoring two fetal heart rates during a twin delivery is best achieved by placing external fetal monitors so that each heart rate is monitored separately. This approach allows for continuous and accurate assessment of both fetuses, which is critical for identifying any signs of distress or abnormal patterns in each baby's heart rate during labor.

Using separate external monitors ensures that the nurse can obtain clear and distinct readings for both fetuses without interference from one another. This is especially important in twin pregnancies, where the risk of complications can increase and close monitoring is vital for the health and safety of both infants and the mother.

The use of handheld Dopplers could provide intermittent assessment but may not be as reliable or effective in capturing continuous fetal heart rate data for both fetuses. Monitoring one heart rate and alternating is inadequate, as it may lead to missing vital changes in the other twin's heart rate. Focusing only on the first twin does not meet the necessary standard of care to ensure both babies are being adequately monitored throughout the birthing process.