Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

ASA 5 classification pertains to a patient who is:

1. Expected to survive without operation

2. Not expected to survive without operation

3. A brain-dead patient

4. A healthy patient

The correct answer is: Not expected to survive without operation

The ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) classification system is used to assess the physical status of patients prior to undergoing anesthesia and surgery. According to this system, ASA 5 is defined as patients who are not expected to survive without surgery. These patients typically present with severe systemic disease that is likely to be life-threatening if not promptly addressed through surgical intervention. In this classification, the criteria for the various ASA categories help healthcare professionals understand the severity of a patient's condition and guide decision-making in the context of anesthesia and surgical risk. ASA 5 indicates a high level of severity and urgency, emphasizing that the patient is in critical condition and requires an operative procedure to prevent imminent death. Understanding the ASA classification is critical for clinicians to evaluate risks and facilitate informed consent, as patients with an ASA 5 status are faced with dire circumstances that necessitate immediate medical attention.