Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

Which ASA classification indicates a severe systemic disease that is not life-threatening?

1. ASA 1

2. ASA 2

3. ASA 3

4. ASA 4

The correct answer is: ASA 3

The ASA classification system, developed by the American Society of Anesthesiologists, is a way to assess the physical status of patients prior to anesthesia and surgery. This system categorizes patients based on their overall health status, from ASA 1, which indicates a normal healthy patient, to ASA 5, which indicates a patient who is not expected to survive without surgery. ASA 3 is the classification that indicates the presence of severe systemic disease that is not immediately life-threatening. This means that the patient may have significant medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or chronic renal failure, that could lead to complications but are currently managed and do not pose an immediate risk to life. In contrast, ASA 2 denotes a patient with mild systemic disease, where the conditions are generally controlled and do not require extensive management. ASA 4 refers to a patient with severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life, indicating a more critical condition than ASA 3. ASA 1 represents a completely healthy individual. Understanding the nuances of these classifications is important for medical professionals as it aids in determining the appropriate level of care and the potential risks associated with anesthesia and surgical procedures.