SAMPLE history

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Introduction[edit | edit source]

SAMPLE History is an essential mnemonic acronym used in emergency medicine and first aid to remember key questions for a person's medical assessment. It is particularly useful for first responders during the secondary assessment of a patient. SAMPLE is a tool to quickly obtain a patient's medical history and identify potential life-threatening conditions.

Overview of SAMPLE History[edit | edit source]

  • Purpose: Provides a systematic approach to collecting important health information from a patient.
  • Usage: Commonly used in conjunction with vital signs assessment and the OPQRST mnemonic.

Components of SAMPLE History[edit | edit source]

Each letter in "SAMPLE" stands for a specific area of inquiry:

  • S - Symptoms: What symptoms the patient is experiencing.
  • A - Allergies: Any allergies, particularly to medications, that the patient has.
  • M - Medications: What medications the patient is currently taking.
  • P - Past Medical History: Any past illnesses or surgeries.
  • L - Last Oral Intake: The last thing the patient ate or drank.
  • E - Events Leading Up To Present Illness/Injury: What events occurred leading up to the current medical situation.
SAMPLE History Chart

Application in Emergency Medicine[edit | edit source]

  • SAMPLE history is a crucial part of the secondary assessment in emergency care, especially in pre-hospital settings.
  • It aids in making informed medical decisions and can guide treatment priorities.

Gathering SAMPLE History[edit | edit source]

  • The information can be obtained directly from alert patients or, in the case of unresponsive individuals, from family members, friends, or bystanders.
  • In severe trauma cases, while still relevant, the immediate focus might be more on life-saving interventions.

Relation to Other Assessment Tools[edit | edit source]

  • Vital Signs: SAMPLE is often used alongside vital sign measurements to provide a comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition.
  • OPQRST: Another mnemonic used to assess the patient's complaints more thoroughly.

AMPLE History - A Derivative of SAMPLE[edit | edit source]

  • AMPLE: A variation of SAMPLE, it places greater emphasis on a person's Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last oral intake, and Events leading up to the illness or injury.

Importance in Medical Training and Practice[edit | edit source]

  • SAMPLE history is a fundamental component of training for emergency medical responders, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
  • It provides a quick, structured way to gather essential medical information in emergency situations.

References[edit | edit source]


External Links[edit | edit source]

See Also[edit | edit source]


SAMPLE history Resources

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