When handling an incoming telephone call regarding a patient progress report, you should ____.

A) route the call to the physician immediately
B) take a message for the physician
C) handle the situation yourself
D) ask the nurse to handle the situation
E) tell the patient the physician will call him back shortly

Taking a message for the physician is the appropriate action when handling an incoming telephone call regarding a patient progress report. This ensures that the physician receives accurate and detailed information about the call and can respond at a suitable time, maintaining patient confidentiality and allowing for a considered response.