Illness assessment and SAMPLE
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Guide to Illness Assessment: S.A.M.P.L.E.S. Method
Understanding Illness Assessment
Learn how to assess and gather crucial information about a person's illness.
Defining Illness
Understand the concept of illness as an unhealthy condition of the body.
The S.A.M.P.L.E.S. Mnemonic
Discover the systematic approach to illness assessment using the S.A.M.P.L.E.S. mnemonic.
S - Signs and Symptoms
Identify important signs and symptoms that provide insights into the person's condition:
- Temperature: Check for fever or unusual body temperature.
- Skin Colour: Observe skin tone for abnormalities.
- Pulse Rate: Assess the patient's pulse for rate and irregularities.
- Questioning: Interview the patient to understand their symptoms, including nausea, pain, or discomfort.
A - Allergies
Inquire about allergies that could be relevant to the situation:
- Types of Allergies: Ask about allergies to food, insect stings, or antibiotics.
M - Medication
Explore the patient's medication history:
- Current Medication: Determine if the patient is taking any medications, including those taken today.
P - Pre-existing Medical Conditions
Assess the presence of pre-existing medical conditions:
- Medical Conditions: Ask if the patient has conditions such as diabetes, asthma, angina, or anaphylaxis.
L - Last Meal
Obtain information about the patient's recent food intake:
- Timing of Last Meal: Ask when the patient last ate and what they consumed, which can provide insights into their condition.
E - Events
Investigate the events leading up to the patient's illness:
- Precipitating Events: Determine circumstances that may have triggered the illness, such as a sudden onset or gradual development.
Assessing Pulse and Respiration
Learn how to evaluate a person's pulse and respiration for a comprehensive assessment.
Checking Pulse
Find the person's pulse and assess its characteristics:
- Radial Pulse: Locate and count the radial pulse using three fingers for accuracy.
- Pulse Characteristics: Observe pulse rate, strength, and regularity.
Counting Respiration
Monitor the person's breathing rate:
- Breath Count: Count the number of breaths in 30 seconds to determine the respiration rate.
- Technique: Leave your fingers in place to discreetly count breaths without the patient's awareness.
Normal Ranges
Understand the typical heart rate and respiration rate for adults:
- Heart Rate: Adult heart rate ranges from sixty to ninety beats per minute.
- Respiration Rate: Adult respiration rate typically falls between 12 and 20 breaths per minute.
- IPOSi Unit one LO4.4