The nurse planning care for an older adult who has recently been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis views the priority criterion for continued Independence to be the patients:

A. A mentor is a seasoned professional who provides guidance, support, and advice to a less experienced person, often called a mentee. In the context of nursing, a mentor can help a novice nurse develop their skills, knowledge, and confidence.
B. A superior is a person who is higher in rank or authority than another. While a mentor may also be a superior, the term "mentor" emphasizes the role of providing guidance and support, rather than simply authority.
C. A manager is responsible for overseeing the work of others and ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. While a mentor may also have managerial responsibilities, the term "mentor" focuses on the role of providing individual guidance and support.
D. A supervisor is a person who oversees the work of others and ensures that tasks are completed correctly. While a mentor may also have supervisory responsibilities, the term "mentor" emphasizes the role of providing guidance and support, rather than simply oversight.

A. While age can influence health and care needs, it is not the primary criterion for assessing a patient's ability to maintain independence. The impact of age varies greatly among individuals, and functional status is a more direct measure of a person's ability to perform daily activities and manage their health.
B. Functional status refers to the patient's ability to perform daily activities and manage self-care. For someone with rheumatoid arthritis, functional status is crucial because the disease can significantly affect physical abilities due to joint pain, stiffness, and deformities. Assessing and optimizing functional status helps ensure that the patient can maintain independence by adapting their environment, using assistive devices, and implementing strategies to manage symptoms effectively.
C. Gender itself does not directly determine a patient's ability to maintain independence. While certain conditions may have different prevalence rates or impacts based on gender, independence is more closely related to functional abilities and health management rather than gender.
D. Financial status can influence access to resources, healthcare, and support services, but it is not the primary determinant of a patient's functional ability or independence. While financial resources are important for accessing necessary treatments and support, they do not directly impact the patient's functional capacity.