SAMPLE

What does the SAMPLE mnemonic stand for in obtaining patient history?

S = Signs and symptoms, A = Allergies, M = Medications, P = Pertinent past medical history, L = Last oral intake, E = Events leading up to the injury or illness.

What should you ask about under Signs and Symptoms (S) in SAMPLE history?

What signs and symptoms occurred at the onset of the incident? Does the patient report pain?

What should you ask about under Allergies (A) in SAMPLE history?

Is the patient allergic to any medication, food, or other substance? What reactions did they have? If no known allergies, note as “No known allergies” or “NKA.”

What should you ask about under Medications (M) in SAMPLE history?

What medications are prescribed, including dosage and frequency? What prescription, OTC, or herbal medications have been taken in the last 12 hours? Does the patient take recreational drugs?

What should you ask about under Pertinent Past Medical History (P) in SAMPLE history?

Does the patient have any history of medical, surgical, or trauma occurrences? Any recent illness, injury, fall, or blow to the head? Important family history?

What should you ask about under Last Oral Intake (L) in SAMPLE history?

When did the patient last eat or drink? What and how much was consumed? Any drugs or alcohol taken? Any other oral intake in the last 4 hours?

What should you ask about under Events Leading Up to the Incident (E) in SAMPLE history?

What key events led up to the incident? What occurred between onset and your arrival? What was the patient doing when the illness or injury happened?