Which ASA class corresponds to a patient with severe systemic disease?

• A. ASA 1
• B. ASA 2
• C. ASA 3
• D. ASA 4

Answer: (C)

This question tests how to match the ASA physical status classification to the level of systemic disease. The class described as severe systemic disease that limits activity but is not incapacitating fits a patient whose illness is significant and affects daily functioning, yet does not place them in immediate life-threatening danger. In other words, the disease is serious and limits activity, but the patient is still able to participate in routine activities and is not acutely unstable.

This is positioned between mild systemic disease (which has minimal impact on function) and a class where the systemic disease is a constant threat to life. An example would be a patient with substantial chronic illness that reduces exercise tolerance but who remains hemodynamically stable and not in immediate danger. Therefore, the described scenario aligns with the class for severe systemic disease that limits activity but is not incapacitating.