Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

Which ASA classification describes a normal healthy patient?

1. ASA 1

2. ASA 2

3. ASA 3

4. ASA 4

The correct answer is: ASA 1

The correct answer is the ASA classification that specifically denotes a normal healthy patient is ASA 1. This classification is part of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification system, which categorizes patients based on their overall health and physical condition prior to undergoing anesthesia and surgery. ASA 1 indicates a patient who is healthy with no medical conditions, meaning they are in a state of optimal health. This classification serves as a baseline for determining the anesthetic risk, as patients classified as ASA 1 typically have a lower risk during surgical procedures compared to those with pre-existing health issues. In contrast, the other classifications describe patients with varying degrees of systemic disease or complications. ASA 2 refers to patients who have mild systemic disease; ASA 3 indicates patients with severe systemic disease; and ASA 4 describes patients with severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life. Recognizing these distinctions is crucial for anesthesia providers in planning safe and effective perioperative care.