The nurse is gathering subjective data during a cardiovascular assessment from a patient's spouse. Which question is particularly appropriate for a patient who has reported that, "My heart seems to skip beats"?

A. When did you first notice the skipped beats?
B. How often do you feel your heart skipping beats?
C. Have you experienced any chest pain or shortness of breath with these skipped beats?
D. Do you notice any specific activities or times when the skipped beats occur more frequently?

To gather subjective data on a patient whose heart seems to skip beats, asking about the frequency and duration of these episodes and any accompanying symptoms is crucial to identify arrhythmia and related cardiovascular issues.

Explanation:

Regarding a patient who reports that "My heart seems to skip beats," a particularly appropriate question to gather subjective data during a cardiovascular assessment would be to ask about the frequency and duration of these episodes. An example question could be, "Can you tell me more about when your heart skips beats? How often does this happen, and how long does it usually last?" This question aims to identify symptoms of potential arrhythmia and to understand its impact on the patient's life.

Another related question would be, "Do you experience any other symptoms when your heart skips beats, such as dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain?" Understanding accompanying symptoms can provide clues to the seriousness of the condition and whether it might be related to other cardiovascular issues, such as heart failure or heart attack. Additional information regarding their activity level at the time of the episodes, as well as any potential triggers, would also be important.