Your resident is upset as he has learned that his roommate has passed away.  He want to discuss this with you. The best course of action for you to take is ____________.

In these types of situations, patients need to be able to express their feelings . Allowing them to do so will aid them in coping better and alert you if further counselling may be necessary.  The other options discredit your patient’s feelings and do not actually aid him in any way.