Final answer:
The most appropriate question for the nurse to ask initially in a sleep assessment is 'How are you sleeping?'
Step-by-step explanation:
The most appropriate question for the nurse to ask initially in a sleep assessment is b. How are you sleeping? This question directly addresses the patient's sleep and provides a starting point for further discussion and evaluation of sleep patterns and quality. It allows the nurse to gather information about any sleep disturbances or concerns that the patient may have.
Examining sleep hygiene is an important step in trying to solve a problem with sleeplessness. Sleep hygiene refers to practices and habits that can promote healthy, restful sleep. By asking about the patient's sleep, the nurse can begin to assess their sleep hygiene and identify any potential factors contributing to their sleep problems.
In the context of the patient's sleep assessment, the other options (a. What is going on?, c. Are you taking any medications?, d. What did you have for dinner last night?) may be relevant to the overall assessment, but they are not the most appropriate initial question to ask.