ASA Physical Status Classification Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the history of ASA classification?

The ASA physical status classification system is a system for assessing the fitness of patients before surgery. In 1963, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) adopted the five-category physical status classification system; a sixth category was later added.

What does ASA I represent?

Moribund patient

Mild/moderate systemic disease

Normal, healthy patient (correct)

Severe systemic disease

Which of the following describes a patient classified as ASA II?

Severe, life-threatening systemic disease

Mild/moderate systemic disease that does not limit activity (correct)

Severe systemic disease

Normal, healthy patient

What characterizes a patient classified as ASA III?

Severe systemic disease that limits activity Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of an ASA IV patient?

Severe and life-threatening systemic disease Signup and view all the answers

What does ASA V indicate?

Moribund patient not expected to survive 24 hours without care. Signup and view all the answers

What does ASA VI represent?

Brain dead, donor status. Signup and view all the answers

What does ASA E signify?

Emergency operation Signup and view all the answers

What are examples of conditions classified as ASA II?

Current smoker, controlled Diabetes/Epilepsy, BP higher than 140/90, severe allergies, pregnancy, obesity. Signup and view all the answers

What are examples of conditions classified as ASA III?

Any combination of 3 or more diseases listed for ASA II or a single disease with intense severity; for example: heart attack, unstable angina, or diabetes with complications. Signup and view all the answers

What are examples of conditions classified as ASA IV?

Organic heart disease with marked signs of cardiac insufficiency, recent myocardial infarction less than 6 months old, or unstable angina. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

ASA Physical Status Classification System

Developed by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) in 1963 to assess patient fitness before surgery.
Initially categorized into five groups; a sixth category was later introduced.

ASA I

Represents a normal, healthy patient without systemic disease.

ASA II

Indicates mild to moderate systemic disease that does not limit activity and remains controlled and stable.
Examples include current smokers, controlled diabetes/epilepsy, hypertension (BP > 140/90), severe allergies, pregnancy, and obesity.
Additional considerations: age over 65 or under 3 months may require medical consultation; stable asthma; well-controlled hypertension; cardiac dysrhythmia managed by medication; obstructive sleep apnea; mild diabetes; mild to moderate obesity.

ASA III

Represents severe systemic disease that limits the patient’s activity.
Examples include:
- Any combination of three or more disease processes from ASA II.
- Severe conditions like healed myocardial infarction (MI) over six months old or after cardiac surgeries.
- Diabetes with complications, chronic pain management requiring daily medication, and pulmonary insufficiencies affecting activity.

ASA IV

Denotes severe systemic disease that is life-threatening and comes with high risk.
Conditions include organic heart disease with significant cardiac insufficiency, recent myocardial infarction (within six months), unstable angina, and severe pulmonary, renal, or endocrine insufficiency.

ASA V

Refers to a moribund patient not expected to survive 24 hours without immediate medical intervention.

ASA VI

Identifies a brain-dead patient with donor status eligibility.

ASA E

Signifies an emergency operation requiring immediate intervention.

Description

This quiz provides flashcards on the ASA physical status classification system, which is essential for evaluating patient fitness before surgery. It includes definitions and categories such as ASA I, normal healthy patients. Perfect for medical students and professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of anesthesiology.