What does the "L" in SAMPLE stand for?

The "L" in SAMPLE stands for "Last oral intake." This term is part of a mnemonic device used in emergency medicine to aid first responders and healthcare providers in gathering critical information from a patient during an assessment. The SAMPLE acronym stands for Signs, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last oral intake, and Events leading to present illness or injury. Knowing the patient's last oral intake is vital as it helps assess their nutritional status, the timing of potential interventions, and the risk of aspiration if the patient requires sedation or anesthesia later. It provides information about when the patient last ate or drank, which is essential for understanding their current condition and planning appropriate care.