When assessing an elderly patient with osteoarthritis in the wrists and hands, what is the first step to take?

Asking which activities of daily living (ADLs) are most difficult or painful is the first step in assessing an elderly patient with osteoarthritis in the wrists and hands because it directly addresses the patient’s individual experience and functional limitations. Understanding how osteoarthritis affects their daily life helps establish a clearer picture of their condition and priorities for treatment. This approach involves recognizing the patient’s perspective, allowing for a personalized assessment that prioritizes their concerns and facilitates more effective intervention planning.

While evaluating medical history is important, it provides a background context rather than immediate insight into the patient's current functional capacity. Performing a full range of motion assessment is also crucial but typically follows initial conversations about the patient's experiences with ADLs, as it gives a more detailed understanding of the limitations experienced during those activities. Administering pain relief management might be necessary depending on the assessment results, but it does not serve as the foundational step in understanding the patient's specific challenges and daily functioning.