When obtaining a SAMPLE history from an adolescent patient, which inquiry should be made in private?

When obtaining a SAMPLE history from an adolescent patient, inquiring about sexual activity should be conducted in private due to the sensitive nature of the topic. Adolescents may feel uncomfortable discussing their sexual behaviors, experiences, or concerns in front of others, including parents or guardians. Creating a private environment allows them to speak more freely and honestly about issues that might be affecting their health and well-being without fear of judgment or breach of confidentiality.

This ensures you gather accurate information necessary for appropriate assessment and treatment while respecting the adolescent's comfort and privacy. The other topics, such as drug use, medical history, and family problems, may also be sensitive but typically do not carry the same level of stigma as sexual activity, and adolescents might feel more willing to discuss those issues in a less private setting.