Certified Nurses Operating Room (CNOR) Practice Exam

How is the ASA classification PS-3 defined?

1. Normal

2. Mild systemic disease

3. Severe systemic disease

4. Threat to life

The correct answer is: Severe systemic disease

The ASA classification PS-3, which stands for the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification, specifically refers to a patient with severe systemic disease. This classification is part of a system that helps anesthesiologists assess a patient's overall health status prior to undergoing anesthesia and surgery. A patient categorized as ASA PS-3 has a systemic disease that is serious enough to warrant concern but does not necessarily pose an immediate risk to life. This can include conditions such as unstable angina, poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, or chronic pulmonary disease requiring constant medical intervention. Understanding this classification is essential for surgical teams, as it influences both the anesthetic approach and the anticipated perioperative risks. The accurate categorization ensures that the healthcare providers can prepare adequately and deploy the necessary resources for the patient's care and safety during the surgical procedure.