Which statement about back-channeling techniques during a patient interview is true?

Which statement about back-channeling techniques during a patient interview is true?

• A. They are used to encourage the patient to continue.
• B. They provide direct medical information.
• C. They interrupt the patient.
• D. They replace questions.

Answer: (A)

Back-channeling in a patient interview consists of brief verbal and nonverbal cues that show you are actively listening and want the patient to keep talking. Nodding, saying “go on,” or “I see,” and other short prompts invite the patient to continue sharing details without interrupting. These cues help gather a fuller history by encouraging the patient to elaborate. They don’t provide medical information themselves, they don’t interrupt the patient, and they don’t replace questions. So the statement that back-channeling is used to encourage the patient to continue is the true description.

Back-channeling in a patient interview consists of brief verbal and nonverbal cues that show you are actively listening and want the patient to keep talking. Nodding, saying “go on,” or “I see,” and other short prompts invite the patient to continue sharing details without interrupting. These cues help gather a fuller history by encouraging the patient to elaborate. They don’t provide medical information themselves, they don’t interrupt the patient, and they don’t replace questions. So the statement that back-channeling is used to encourage the patient to continue is the true description.