Which statement best serves as a confirming response to a patient?

• A. I do not know what you mean.
• B. I have no idea how long it will take.
• C. I understand how you must be feeling.
• D. I'm on a tight schedule right now.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is to respond in a way that validates the patient’s feelings and invites them to share more. The best response does just that by acknowledging the emotion, which helps build trust and makes the patient feel heard.

Saying “I understand how you must be feeling” confirms the patient’s emotional experience. It shows empathy, communicates that you’re paying attention to their state, and opens the door for them to elaborate. This kind of response supports rapport and can calm anxiety, making it easier for the patient to express concerns or ask questions.

The other options don’t serve this purpose well. Saying you don’t know what they mean can feel dismissive and creates distance. Commenting on unknown timelines shifts the focus away from the patient’s emotions and needs. Claiming you’re on a tight schedule signals unavailability and can make the patient feel deprioritized or rushed.

When you’re aiming to confirm and connect, choose words that acknowledge feelings and invite further conversation. If you want, you can extend with a supportive follow-up like, “Tell me more about what you’re experiencing.”