Which of the following descriptions correctly defines ASA Physical Status class III?
- A A normal healthy patient
- B A patient with severe systemic disease that limits activity but is not incapacitating ✓
- C A patient with mild systemic disease without functional limitation
- D A patient with a moribund condition who is not expected to survive without operation
Correct answer: B. A patient with severe systemic disease that limits activity but is not incapacitating
Explanation
ASA class III denotes severe systemic disease producing definite functional limitation, such as poorly controlled hypertension, COPD with limitation, or stable angina. Class I is a normal healthy patient, class II is mild systemic disease without functional limitation, and class IV describes incapacitating disease that is a constant threat to life. Class V, the moribund patient not expected to survive without surgery, is option D. The classification assesses preoperative physiological status only, not surgical risk.
Reference: Morgan and Mikhail's Clinical Anesthesiology, 7th ed.
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