Medical Emergencies · patient case question
An asthmatic patient using albuterol whose last attack was ten months ago is which ASA classification?
Patient case: Emergencies and risk assessment
demo: Assorted patients
chief: Several patients present with findings that alter the safety of planned dental care.
history: One patient with well-controlled asthma using albuterol reports her last attack was ten months ago. Another feels faint on being returned to upright. A third has type 1 diabetes and presents unwell with deep rapid breathing and a fruity breath odour.
meds: Albuterol; insulin; various.
findings: Not applicable.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. ASA II
- A. ASA III is severe systemic disease with substantive functional limitation, which would apply to poorly controlled asthma with frequent attacks, emergency visits or oral steroid dependence.
- B. ASA IV is severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life, such as status asthmaticus.
- C. Correct. ASA II is a patient with mild systemic disease without substantive functional limitation. Well-controlled asthma using only a rescue inhaler, with no recent attack, fits precisely. Bring the inhaler to every appointment and keep it within reach.
- D. ASA I is a normal healthy patient with no systemic disease at all. Requiring a medication for a chronic condition excludes this.
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