NOT a component of the SAMPLE acronym?

• A. Signs and Symptoms
• B. Medications
• C. Vital Signs
• D. Allergies

Answer: (C)

SAMPLE is a quick history tool used in emergencies to gather key background information about the patient. It includes Signs and Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last oral intake, and Events leading up to the incident. Vital Signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature, are objective measurements taken during the rapid physical assessment or ongoing monitoring, not part of the SAMPLE history. So Vital Signs does not fit into the SAMPLE acronym, which is why it’s the correct “NOT a component” choice.