Ken fortek is a 40 year old divorced caucasian book keeper who complains of persistent headaches. you've done a careful history, physical exam, and ordered laboratory tests. your exam and lab results are normal. you convey this good news but your patient continues to look worried. he asks, "how can you be sure that these headaches are not related to a brain tumor? " which of the following responses would best illustrate attentiveness and warmth?
a. state in a confident tone, after briefly touching the patient's arm: "let me reassure you once again. there is no evidence of a brain tumor."
b. state "nothing is ever 100% certain, but in your case we can be sure that you do not have a brain tumor. the odds of a brain tumor are very small."
c. lean forward and state "the chances of your having a brain tumor are extremely low. i think we can move on to treating your headache pain, and you will feel a lot better."
d. state "i can see that you are still worried about the possibility of a brain tumor. me understand why that is the case."
e. state "you want to be positive there isn't a brain tumor. while i'm sure there is nothing to worry about, i can arrange a referral to a neurologist for another opinion