A nurse is assessing a client who has chronic insomnia. Which question would address the highest safety priority for the client?
When did you begin to have trouble sleeping?
Are there any specific factors that you think are affecting your ability to sleep?
Do you have difficulty staying awake when you are driving?
Can you describe your bedtime routine to me?
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Asking “When did you begin to have trouble sleeping?” is important for understanding the onset and duration of the client’s insomnia. However, it does not directly address immediate safety concerns. Chronic insomnia can lead to significant daytime impairment, but the question about the onset of sleep troubles does not identify specific safety risks.
Choice B Reason:
Inquiring about specific factors affecting the client’s ability to sleep can help identify potential causes of insomnia, such as stress, environmental factors, or medical conditions. While this information is valuable for treatment planning, it does not directly address immediate safety concerns.
Choice C Reason:
Asking “Do you have difficulty staying awake when you are driving?” addresses the highest safety priority. Chronic insomnia can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, which significantly increases the risk of accidents, especially while driving. Identifying whether the client is at risk of falling asleep during potentially dangerous activities is crucial for immediate safety.

Choice D Reason:
Understanding the client’s bedtime routine can provide insights into their sleep hygiene and habits, which are important for managing insomnia. However, this question does not directly address immediate safety concerns related to daytime functioning and the risk of accidents.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Cranial nerve V is the trigeminal nerve, which has both motor and sensory functions:Motor function: The nurse can assess this by asking the client to clench their teeth while palpating the masseter and temporalis muscles for strength.Sensory function: The nurse can assess this by lightly touching the client's face in different areas (forehead, cheeks, and jaw) with a cotton ball or sharp/dull object to check for sensation.
Choice B Reason:
Asking the client to identify scented aromas is a method used to assess cranial nerve I (Olfactory), not cranial nerve V. Cranial nerve V (Trigeminal) is assessed by testing facial sensation and motor functions such as chewing.

Choice C Reason:
Asking the client to read a Snellen chart is a method used to assess cranial nerve II (Optic), which is responsible for vision. This method does not assess cranial nerve V
Choice D Reason:
Asking the client to raise his eyebrows is a method used to assess cranial nerve VII (Facial), which controls facial expressions. This method is not used to assess cranial nerve V.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: The glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) is primarily responsible for the gag reflex. It provides sensory input from the pharynx and posterior third of the tongue, which triggers the gag reflex when stimulated. This nerve plays a crucial role in swallowing and the reflexive action to prevent choking.
Choice B reason: The trigeminal nerve (CN V) is responsible for facial sensation and motor functions such as biting and chewing. It does not play a direct role in the gag reflex. While it is important for other sensory and motor functions, it is not involved in the reflex being assessed here.
Choice C reason: The vagus nerve (CN X) also contributes to the gag reflex by providing motor innervation to the muscles of the pharynx and larynx. However, the primary sensory input for the gag reflex comes from the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX). The vagus nerve works in conjunction with CN IX to complete the reflex action.
Choice D reason: The hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) controls the movements of the tongue. It is essential for speech and swallowing but does not have a role in the gag reflex. The hypoglossal nerve’s primary function is motor control of the tongue muscles.
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