The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis

The nurse is caring for a patient with rheumatoid arthritis who is in constant severe pain. Which nursing diagnosis is the highest priority for this patient?

A) Impaired walking r/t patient's need to use a cane or walker with ambulation
B) Readiness for enhanced comfort r/t sedentary lifestyle and poor physical condition
C) Effective therapeutic regimen management r/t mistrust of health care personnel
D) Chronic pain r/t ongoing inflammatory tissue damage and joint destruction