During an interview with a patient, the patient begins to cry. What would be an appropriate response?

a) Provide a tissue, offer support, allow the moment to pass, and resume once the patient is ready
b) Tell the patient that since he is so upset, you will leave the room and bring the preceptor
c) Tell the patient that things are really not so bad, so they don't need to cry
d) Change the subject so the patient will stop thinking about whatever made them upset