Final answer:
The nurse should ask Matt if he can feel the tip of the pen on his legs, arms, fingers, and face to determine his level of functioning.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question that the nurse should ask Matt in order to determine whether or not he is able to return to a precrisis level of functioning is:
Can you feel the tip of the pen on your legs, arms, fingers, and face?
This question is important because if Matt is unable to feel the tip of the pen when touched on his left arm and leg, it suggests a problem with the sensory systems between the spinal cord and the brain. By asking this question, the nurse can assess whether there are any deficits in Matt's sensory function and provide appropriate care and intervention.