Medical Emergencies · single question
A patient with mild intermittent asthma (1 episode per month): what is the appropriate ASA classification?
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Correct answer: A. ASA II
ASA Physical Status Classification: ASA I = Normal healthy patient; ASA II = Mild systemic disease (mild asthma, well-controlled diabetes, BMI 30-40, smoker); ASA III = Severe systemic disease (moderate-severe asthma, poorly controlled diabetes, morbid obesity); ASA IV = Severe systemic disease that is constant threat to life. A patient with MILD INTERMITTENT asthma (1 episode/month or less) has mild well-controlled disease = ASA II.
- A. Incorrect. ASA I = completely healthy with no systemic disease. Any known medical condition removes the patient from ASA I.
- B. CORRECT. Mild intermittent asthma = mild systemic disease = ASA II. This patient has a known condition that is well-controlled and not life-threatening.
- C. Incorrect. ASA III applies to moderate-severe or uncontrolled asthma requiring multiple medications or frequent hospitalizations.
- D. Incorrect. ASA IV is for life-threatening conditions (severe, poorly controlled disease) — mild intermittent asthma does not qualify.
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