In the SAMPLE history mnemonic, what does the letter P stand for?

• A. Past pertinent medical history
• B. Prior event
• C. Presenting complaint
• D. Provocation

Answer: (A)

The P in the SAMPLE history stands for Past pertinent medical history. This is the information about the patient’s previous health issues that could influence the current problem or its management. It includes chronic conditions (like heart disease, diabetes, asthma), past surgeries or hospitalizations, and relevant regular medications or treatments. Focusing on pertinent details helps you anticipate how the current illness or injury could be affected, influence diagnostic decisions, and guide treatment (for example, knowing a patient takes blood thinners or has a history of cardiac issues changes how you assess and manage chest pain). The other options don’t fit because the event leading up to the incident is covered by the Events portion, the presenting complaint is the symptom or reason for the call covered by Symptoms, and Provocation is a pain-assessment concept not part of the SAMPLE mnemonic.