Certified Nurses Operating Room (CNOR) Practice Exam

What is a significant indicator of life-threatening status in ASA classification?

1. PS-3

2. PS-4

3. PS-5

4. PS-2

The correct answer is: PS-4

The ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) classification system is widely used to assess the physical status of patients prior to undergoing anesthesia and surgery. In this classification, each category indicates the severity of a patient's medical condition and potential risks associated with anesthesia. PS-4 indicates a patient with a severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life. This classification is significant because it reflects a higher level of concern about the patient's ability to withstand the stress of surgery and anesthesia. Patients categorized as PS-4 are typically at increased risk for complications during and after surgical procedures, making it a critical indicator in determining readiness for surgery. It's important to understand that while other categories in the ASA classification, such as PS-3 or PS-2, indicate various levels of health statuses, neither of these suggests an immediate threat to life. PS-5 refers to a moribund patient who is not expected to survive without the procedure, indicating an even more critical state than PS-4. Therefore, PS-4 stands out as the significant indicator of life-threatening status within the ASA classification, illustrating the essential role it plays in preoperative assessment and decision-making.