A young mother who fractured her leg is sobbing with her face hidden behind her hands. She says to the nurse, "I will not be able to work for at least 2 months. Without my job, I cannot pay my bills or take care of my baby. I am alone and do not have anyone to help me." Which response by the nurse accurately conveys empathy?

A. “Would you like medication for the pain?”
This question is not specific to understanding the cause or nature of the back pain. It addresses only the patient’s desire for pain relief rather than gathering detailed information about the pain itself.

B. “What have you been doing in the last few days?”
This question helps the nurse gather specific information about the activities that may have contributed to or exacerbated the back pain. It is essential for understanding the context of the pain, such as recent physical activities, injuries, or changes in routine that might have led to the issue.

C. “What do you think caused the back pain?”
This question is less specific and can lead to subjective or inaccurate information. It shifts the responsibility of diagnosing the cause of the pain to the patient rather than seeking concrete details about recent activities.

D. “Do you have a family history of osteoporosis?”
While relevant to some aspects of back pain, this question is more focused on risk factors rather than gathering specific details about the current episode of back pain.

A. This response dismisses the patient’s feelings and interprets their statement in a negative way.

B. This response acknowledges the patient’s feelings and shows empathy, which is a warm and assertive way to address their concerns.

C. Suggesting that the patient see a different doctor is premature and does not address the patient’s current feelings.

D. Telling the patient it is wrong to blame the doctor is judgmental and dismissive of their feelings.