When counselling a patient who is upset about a new diagnosis and need for medications, which of the following strategies is NOT appropriate for the pharmacist to use?

It is not appropriate for the pharmacist to advise the patient that things will be okay because they are not qualified to offer medical advice or make promises about the patient's health. This option could potentially give false reassurance and undermine the patient's trust in the pharmacist's expertise. Option A is correct because it is important for the patient to feel comfortable and safe during the interaction. Option C is incorrect because probing may help to clarify the patient's concerns and address any misunderstandings. Option D is also incorrect because allowing the patient to express their emotions and fears can help them to feel heard and understood.