A 54-Year-Old Man Arrives at the Clinic for a First

A 54-year-old man arrives at the clinic for a first evaluation of lower back discomfort. According to the patient's medical record, he has seen multiple doctors for back pain therapy. He was provided several pain medicines and physical rehabilitation treatments, but he frequently stopped taking them too soon or did not follow through on the instructions. The patient adds at the start of the visit, "I'm sick of living with back pain, and I haven't worked in years. Nothing has helped me-I might as well quit up and go on disability at this point." Which of the following statements best describes your initial response to this patient?

A) "Although previous medications have not worked, consultation with a pain specialist may be helpful."
B) "I understand the difficulty of your situation, but applying for disability will not improve your back pain."
C) "I understand your frustration, but it is difficult to help when you think nothing will work."
D) "It must be frustrating to have chronic back pain and feel like there are no options to ease your suffering."
E) "Your chances of improving would be better if you followed recommendations and remained in treatment."

Correct Answer:

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