As a Foundation (F2) physician, you treat out-patient gastroenterology patients. You examine Helen, a 30-year-old patient who has had three appointments for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Helen breaks down in tears and says her life has been ruined by the severity of her symptoms. She says that your consultant, renowned gastroenterologist Professor Khan, doesn't care about her because he told her that there are far worse diagnoses and that she should just try to accept it.<br>
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Choose the 3 most appropriate actions to take in this situation.
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A
Option A: Encourage Helen to get a second opinion from a different consultant.
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B
Option B: Describe how treating IBS is frequently very difficult.
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C
Option C: Express regret to Helen for what she considered to be inadequate consultations in the past.
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D
Option D: Seek Helen's comfort from a nurse.
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E
Option E: Find out why Helen believes her life is being ruined by the symptoms.
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F
Option F: Assure Helen that it was not his intention to offend her.
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7
Option G: Inform Professor Khan that Helen was dissatisfied with their earlier meetings.
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8
Option H: To aid Helen in better understanding her condition, provide her with as much information as you can.