A client with rheumatoid arthritis has difficulty self-feeding; to which interprofessional team member should the nurse refer to obtain adaptive devices?

A client with rheumatoid arthritis has difficulty self-feeding; to which interprofessional team member should the nurse refer to obtain adaptive devices?

• A. Social worker
• B. Certified nursing assistant
• C. Registered dietitian
• D. Occupational therapist

Answer: (D)

Focusing on enabling independence in daily activities, especially self-feeding, the professional best suited to assess needs and provide adaptive devices is the specialist who evaluates how a person performs everyday tasks and prescribes equipment to support those tasks. In rheumatoid arthritis, hand joints can be painful, stiff, or deformed, making a strong grip or precise coordinated movements difficult. An occupational therapist assesses grip strength, dexterity, and the specific feeding tasks, then selects and fits adaptive utensils, built-up handles, plate guards, and other assistive devices, plus trains the patient in using them effectively. This helps the client feed themselves more comfortably and safely. A social worker can connect the patient with resources, a certified nursing assistant provides daily care but not specialized equipment, and a registered dietitian focuses on nutrition—not ADL assistive devices.

Focusing on enabling independence in daily activities, especially self-feeding, the professional best suited to assess needs and provide adaptive devices is the specialist who evaluates how a person performs everyday tasks and prescribes equipment to support those tasks. In rheumatoid arthritis, hand joints can be painful, stiff, or deformed, making a strong grip or precise coordinated movements difficult. An occupational therapist assesses grip strength, dexterity, and the specific feeding tasks, then selects and fits adaptive utensils, built-up handles, plate guards, and other assistive devices, plus trains the patient in using them effectively. This helps the client feed themselves more comfortably and safely.

A social worker can connect the patient with resources, a certified nursing assistant provides daily care but not specialized equipment, and a registered dietitian focuses on nutrition—not ADL assistive devices.