An 18-year-old male has suffered a C5 spinal cord injury which has resulted in tetraplegia. His mother is crying in the waiting room 2 days after the injury has occurred. When the nurses sit down to talk to her, she asks whether her son will ever play football again. Which of the following responses would be best?

Reflect on how she's feeling, and encourage her to express other fears that she has about his injury.

Explain that you aren't sure, but you will ask the physician to talk to her right away.

Advise her that it isn't in his best interest for her to be so upset, and explain the importance of moral support

Reassure her that given time and motivation he will return to normal function.