Preoperative assessment mnemonic

Focused pre-operative history

The mnemonic

SAMPLE

What each word stands for

  • SSigns and symptoms
  • AAllergies, including latex and drugs
  • MMedications
  • PPast medical and anaesthetic history
  • LLast meal or fluid
  • EEvents leading to presentation

Why it matters clinically

Covers the history that most changes anaesthetic planning, especially fasting status and allergies.

Where it stops being reliable

A brief history; family history of anaesthetic problems and examination still need separate attention.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Preoperative assessment mnemonic?

SAMPLE. It helps you recall: Focused pre-operative history.

What does "S" stand for?

Signs and symptoms

What does "A" stand for?

Allergies, including latex and drugs

What does "M" stand for?

Medications

What are all the parts of the SAMPLE mnemonic?

S: Signs and symptoms; A: Allergies, including latex and drugs; M: Medications; P: Past medical and anaesthetic history; L: Last meal or fluid; E: Events leading to presentation.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Preoperative assessment in Anaesthesia.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

A brief history; family history of anaesthetic problems and examination still need separate attention.

How is this useful clinically?

Covers the history that most changes anaesthetic planning, especially fasting status and allergies.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Anaesthesia question about Preoperative assessment.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.