Is the Verse of the Pedestal (Ayat al-Kursi) a single verse, or is it the three consecutive verses? And is it permissible to recite the remembrance of sleep (adhkar al-nawm) without placing the hands over the mouth and wiping the face?

Ayat al-Kursi is a single verse that ends with "and He is the Most High, the Most Great." Wiping [the body] is requested in the adhkar (remembrances) of sleep when reciting the Mu'awwidhatayn (Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas) and Al-Ikhlas (Surah Al-Ikhlas), as it was narrated from 'Aishah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) would cup his hands together, blow into them, and recite these surahs, then wipe with them whatever he could reach of his body three times. As for the rest of the adhkar, Surah Al-Kafirun, and Ayat al-Kursi, wiping is not requested for them.