Which component of SAMPLE history stands for 'Last oral intake'?

• A. Last oral intake
• B. Past medical history
• C. Events leading up to the incident
• D. Medications

Answer: (A)

Last oral intake is the piece of history that records when the patient last swallowed anything by mouth. It’s recorded to know what the stomach contents might be and when they were last ingested. This matters because it influences airway and treatment decisions—if vomiting or aspiration is possible during care or procedures, and it helps interpret symptoms that could be affected by recent ingestion, such as hypoglycemia risk if nothing was eaten or potential toxin exposure from a recent swallow. Remember, it includes any food, drink, or medications taken by mouth, even small sips of water.