You are transporting an elderly woman who has possibly experienced a stroke. She is frightened and cannot speak or move the entire right side. What is the most appropriate statement to show empathy?

• A. Reassure her that after proper treatment in the hospital, she will regain her speech in time.
• B. Acknowledge that she is scared and tell her you will take good care of her.
• C. Maintain eye contact at all times and tell her that there is no need for her to be scared.
• D. Tell her that you understand why she is scared and that everything will likely be okay.

Answer: (B)

The main concept here is showing empathy through acknowledging fear and providing reassurance based on care, not certainty about outcomes. In a situation where an elderly patient may have had a stroke and cannot speak or move, the strongest empathetic move is to recognize that she is frightened and to communicate your commitment to taking good care of her. Saying you understand she’s scared and that you will take good care of her validates her feelings and builds trust, which helps reduce anxiety and makes cooperation easier in a stressful moment.

Praising or promising future recovery, devaluing her fear, or asserting that everything will be fine can give false hope or dismiss how she feels. The best approach is honest, compassionate reassurance paired with clear steps you’ll take to ensure her safety and comfort.