Care Manager Certification Practice Exam

What is the most important question for the nurse to ask a client with insomnia?

1. Are there any specific factors that you think are affecting your ability to sleep?

2. Can you describe your bedtime routine to me?

3. Do you have difficulty staying awake when you are driving?

4. When did you begin to have trouble sleeping?

The correct answer is: Do you have difficulty staying awake when you are driving?

The most important question for the nurse to ask a client with insomnia is the one that directly addresses the potential safety implications of their condition. Asking whether the client has difficulty staying awake while driving is crucial because it highlights the risk factors associated with insomnia, such as fatigue and impaired alertness. This question not only assesses the severity of the client's sleep issues but also prompts the caregiver to consider how the insomnia might be impacting the client's daily life and overall safety. When a client experiences insomnia, it can lead to significant consequences, including an increased risk of accidents, particularly when operating vehicles or machinery. By focusing on alertness and its effects on daily activities, the nurse can better gauge how insomnia is affecting the client's functioning and make informed decisions regarding their care and possible interventions. While other questions are relevant to understanding the client's sleep patterns and contributing factors, they do not directly address the immediate risks associated with impaired wakefulness, which is critical for the nurse to assess in a safety-oriented context.