Which ASA class describes mild to moderate systemic disease?

Which ASA class describes mild to moderate systemic disease?

• A. Class I
• B. Class II
• C. Class III
• D. Class IV

Answer: (B)

This question tests the ASA physical status classification used to describe a patient’s preoperative systemic health. Mild to moderate systemic disease corresponds to the second class, meaning there is a systemic disease present but it is usually well controlled and does not severely limit daily activities. Examples include well-controlled hypertension, diabetes without systemic complications, or obesity with only mild systemic effects. Why this fits best: the description explicitly matches having systemic disease that isn’t major or life-threatening and doesn’t significantly impair function, which is the hallmark of the second class. In contrast, the first class is a healthy patient with no systemic disease, while the third class describes severe systemic disease that limits activity, and the fourth class involves severe disease that poses a constant threat to life.

This question tests the ASA physical status classification used to describe a patient’s preoperative systemic health. Mild to moderate systemic disease corresponds to the second class, meaning there is a systemic disease present but it is usually well controlled and does not severely limit daily activities. Examples include well-controlled hypertension, diabetes without systemic complications, or obesity with only mild systemic effects.

Why this fits best: the description explicitly matches having systemic disease that isn’t major or life-threatening and doesn’t significantly impair function, which is the hallmark of the second class.

In contrast, the first class is a healthy patient with no systemic disease, while the third class describes severe systemic disease that limits activity, and the fourth class involves severe disease that poses a constant threat to life.