Final answer:
The nurse should ask the patient 'Are you reliving your trauma?' as this question addresses the symptom of re-experiencing, a key feature of PTSD which can affect sleep and well-being.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing a trauma survivor requesting sleep medication due to bad dreams, it's crucial for the nurse to determine if the patient might be experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Among the questions presented, a priority question for the nurse would be 'Are you reliving your trauma?' This question directly addresses the symptom known as re-experiencing, which is a core component of PTSD wherein individuals involuntarily and vividly relive their traumatic event in various ways including nightmares. Understanding if the patient is reliving the trauma can guide the healthcare professional in providing proper treatment for PTSD, such as therapy or appropriate medication. Asking about chest pain, while important for other conditions, is not as directly relevant to PTSD's immediate assessment. Similarly, inquiring about specific phobias or exact waking times does not directly address the underlying possible PTSD which could be fueling the sleep disturbances.