A nurse is caring for a patient with rheumatoid arthritis who is struggling to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) due to joint pain and stiffness. Which nursing intervention should the nurse prioritize to best assist the patient?

Rationale: A. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can limit a patient’s ability to perform ADLs due to joint pain, stiffness, and reduced grip strength. Providing assistive devices such as adaptive utensils, dressing aids, or jar openers allows the patient to maintain independence, safety, and functional ability, which is the nurse’s priority. B. While range of motion exercises are important for long-term joint mobility and preventing contractures, they are not the immediate intervention to help the patient perform ADLs safely and independently. Exercise can be introduced once basic functional needs are supported. C. Pain management may be part of care, but over-the-counter medications may be insufficient or unsafe depending on the patient’s condition and medications. This does not directly address the functional limitation in performing ADLs. D. Complete rest can lead to muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, and decreased independence, which may worsen functional impairment. RA management balances rest and gentle activity, but avoiding all movement is not recommended.