During an initial assessment of a patient with acute rheumatoid arthritis, which method is safe for assessing functional limitations in their hands and fingers?

When assessing functional limitations in the hands and fingers of a patient with acute rheumatoid arthritis, asking about their ability to perform everyday tasks such as buttoning clothing and handwriting is a safe and effective method. This approach allows the clinician to gain insight into the patient's current capacity to perform essential daily activities without subjecting them to potentially painful or harmful tests.

In acute rheumatoid arthritis, joints may be inflamed and sensitive, so tasks that are relevant to the patient's typical life can provide valuable information about their functional status and specific challenges they face. This subjective assessment also encourages patient involvement and can help identify specific areas where intervention may be needed.

Other methods, like performing a paper pinch test or ligamentous stress tests, may cause discomfort or exacerbate inflammation in the acute phase of the condition. Additionally, assessing passive range of motion with overpressure can lead to pain or strain, which is not advisable when the patient is in an acute state. Hence, focusing on patient-reported capabilities is both safe and practical for evaluating functional limitations during this assessment.