What is the risk level for a patient classified as ASA 5?

A patient classified as ASA 5 is considered moribund, which indicates that they are in a critical state and not expected to survive without surgical intervention. This classification is used in the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status system to assess a patient’s preoperative health status. ASA 5 signifies that the patient has serious systemic disease, leading to a high risk for complications if the condition is not addressed urgently through surgery. This can include situations like severe trauma or life-threatening conditions where swift medical action is required.

The other classifications reflect varying levels of health and risk. Severe functional limitations with stability suggest ongoing issues but a degree of stability that does not warrant immediate surgical intervention. Mild systemic issues would indicate that the patient is relatively stable with manageable conditions that do not threaten life. Regular medication monitoring typically pertains to chronic conditions but does not convey the urgency or critical status that characterizes an ASA 5 classification. Hence, classifying a patient as ASA 5 accurately represents their serious, life-threatening condition that necessitates surgical intervention for survival.