Review Question - QID 212348

A 35-year-old woman presents to her physician with a complaint of pain and stiffness in her hands. She says that the pain began 6 weeks ago a few days after she had gotten over a minor upper respiratory infection. She admits that the pain is worse in the morning, and she occasionally notes subjective fever but has not taken her temperature. She also admits that her appetite has mildly decreased, but she denies any change in weight. The pain is partially alleviated by ibuprofen, but she has been unsatisfied with the results. She is concerned about her condition as it makes caring for her two young children very difficult. Temperature is 99.4°F (37.4°C), blood pressure is 119/73 mmHg, pulse is 75/min, and respirations are 18/min. Physical examination demonstrates swelling and tenderness over the wrists and metacarpophalangeal joints bilaterally. Bilateral radiographs of the hands demonstrate mild periarticular osteopenia around the left fifth metacarpophalangeal joint. Which of the following is the next best step in management of this patient's acute symptoms?