Illness Assessment: Using the S.A.M.P.L.E.S. Method

Understanding Illness Assessment

Illness refers to an unhealthy condition of the body, ranging from mild discomfort to serious medical conditions.

The S.A.M.P.L.E.S. Method

The mnemonic S.A.M.P.L.E.S. guides the assessment process:

• S - Signs and Symptoms: Look for signs like temperature, skin colour, and pulse rate. Ask about symptoms such as nausea, pain, or discomfort.
• A - Allergies: Inquire about allergies to food, stings, medications, etc.
• M - Medication: Ask about current medications or recent intake.
• P - Pre-existing Medical Conditions: Determine if there are underlying conditions like diabetes, asthma, angina, or anaphylaxis.
• L - Last Meal: Find out when the patient last ate and what they consumed, which can provide clues about their current condition.
• E - Events: Understand the events leading up to the illness, which can help in identifying potential causes or triggers.
• S - Sample Pulse and Respiration: Check the pulse and respiration to assess vital signs:
• Find the radial pulse and count beats in 30 seconds, noting strength, rapidity, or irregularity.
• Count breaths in 30 seconds without letting the patient know you are counting, to avoid altering their breathing pattern.
• Normal adult pulse: 60-90 beats per minute; normal adult respiration: 12-20 breaths per minute.