A patient is angry at you because they have seen you 3 times for their back pain, and still are not better. Which would be the most appropriate immediate response?
a) "It's not my fault your back pain isn't better. These things take time."
b) "If you don't like the care I am giving you, why don't you find another doctor?"
c) "If you would have listened to my advice to lose weight, you wouldn't be having this problem."
d) "I understand that having continued pain in your back has made you upset. Tell me how the pain is still affecting you."