Histories

Question 1

What does SAMPLES stand for?

Answer 1

S - Signs and symptoms
A - Allergies
M - Medications
P - Past medical history
L - Last time they ate or drank
E - Events prior to presentation
S - Social: Smoke? Drink? Live alone?

Question 2

What does SBAR stand for?

Answer 2

S - Situation: Presenting complaint
B- Background: Full history of patient
A - Assessment: A-E assessment or examination, differential diagnoses
R - Recommendations: plan according to A-E findings

Question 3

Systems enquiry - Cardiovascular

Answer 3

1. Chest pain
2. Palpitations
3. Syncope and dizziness
4. Shortness of breath, orthopnoea, Paroxysmal
   nocturnal dyspnoea (PND)
5. Fatigue
6. Intermittent claudication
7. Ankle oedema

PMH… HTN, IHD, hypercholesterolaemia, rheumatic
fever, diabetes, stroke, asthma

FH… MI/Stroke

SH… Smoking/alcohol, living standards

MED… medications that may induce arrhythmia
(hyperkalaemia), postural hypotension/ syncope

Question 4

Systems enquiry - Respiratory

Answer 4

Shortness of breath, Orthopnoea, PND
Cough
Sputum
Chest pain
Wheeze
Weight loss
Fever, nigh sweats

PMH… TB, pneumonia, DVT, PE, asthma, chronic
bronchitis or emphysema

FH… TB, cystic fibrosis, emphysema

SH… Occupational history (asbestos or coal dust
exposure, farmer’s lung), pets (allergies), smoking,
alcohol

MED… ACE inhibitors (chronic cough)