A patient with acute depression states, "God is punishing me for my past sins." What is the nurse's most therapeutic response?

A. Referring the patient to a minister avoids the nurse’s responsibility to provide immediate therapeutic support. B. This response reflects the patient’s feelings and encourages further expression, which is therapeutic in depression. C. Asking “why” can feel judgmental and place the patient on the defensive, which is non-therapeutic. D. Giving false reassurance or imposing religious beliefs does not address the patient’s feelings and may shut down communication.