In assessing a 48-year-old male driver who snores and shows signs of excessive daytime sleepiness, what should the examiner's next step be?

In the case of a 48-year-old male driver who snores and exhibits signs of excessive daytime sleepiness, the correct action for the examiner is to disqualify the driver and refer him for a sleep study. This approach is necessary because the symptoms presented are indicative of potential sleep apnea, a serious condition that can lead to significant health risks, including an increased likelihood of vehicle accidents due to sleepiness.

Safety is paramount in the context of driving, and excessive daytime sleepiness poses a direct threat to not only the individual but also to public safety. A sleep study is crucial for diagnosing conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, which can specifically be implicated in the signs the driver is displaying.

The other choices do not adequately address the underlying issue of excessive daytime sleepiness tied to serious conditions such as sleep apnea. Ordering a pulmonary function test would not directly evaluate the driver’s sleep-related symptoms. Temporarily certifying for three months does not provide a long-term solution nor does it ensure safety while the underlying condition remains unaddressed. Administering the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, while it may give additional information about the degree of sleepiness, does not replace the need for a comprehensive evaluation via a sleep study to confirm or rule out sleep disorders that