Which technique is used to signal transitions from one section to another or from the interview to the examination?

• A. Echoing
• B. Validation
• C. Highlighting transitions
• D. Reassurance

Answer: (C)

The main idea is guiding the patient calmly and clearly through the flow of the encounter by signaling what comes next. Highlighting transitions does this by explicitly naming the shift from one phase to another, such as moving from the interview to the physical examination, and stating what will happen next. This helps the patient anticipate upcoming steps, reassures them about the process, and supports consent for the next actions.

Echoing focuses on repeating the patient’s words to show understanding, which aids listening but doesn’t mark the change of activity. Validation acknowledges feelings to validate the patient’s experience, without signaling a new phase. Reassurance aims to relieve anxiety about outcomes or procedures, but again doesn’t address the transition itself.