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Responding to the patient’s physical stress
It’s obviously very painful (for you).
I can see you’re in a lot of pain/ having a lot of trouble.
You’re obviously in a lot of pain / having a lot of trouble. I can see that.
That seemed to be hard work—lifting your foot.
That seemed to give you a lot of pain—raising your arm.
That must be (must have been) very painful (for you).
I’m sorry that you’ve been having such a hard time.
Responding to the patient’s emotional stress
I can see you’re upset / annoyed / frustrated.
I can understand why you’re upset / annoyed / frustrated.
I can certainly understand that you’re angry about having to wait so long.
I can sense how angry you’ve been feeling about your illness.
This must be very difficult for you.
Responding to the patient’s reserve
I can see you’re finding it difficult to talk about this.
It must be very hard to talk about this.
This is very hard (for you), I know
This is very tough, isn’t it?
Can you bear to tell me more about _________________.
Just take your time.
Responding to the patient’s worries
I can understand your concern. We’ll check that out carefully.
Responding to the patient’s embarrassment
I’m sorry if this exam is embarrassing for you. I’ll try to make it as quick and easy as I can.