ANESTHESIA - ASA Physical Status, NPO Guidelines, and Airway Evaluation

ANESTHESIA ELECTIVE SELF-ASSESMENT AND STUDY QUESTIONS

Consider these scenarios regarding ASA physical status, NPO guidelines, and airway evaluation.

1. ASA Physical Status — Which ASA classification would you give the following patients?
   A 50 year old male with a 50 pack/year smoking history presents for laparascopic cholecystectomy. What if the patient also had a history of IDDM and long-standing HTN? What if patient also had known significant CAD? What about a 70 year old patient obviously septic (hypotensive, tachypneic, and unstable) presenting for exploratory lap for probable ischemic bowel resection?
2. NPO Status — Why is NPO status so important? Consider the NPO guidelines for the following cases. A 6 month old infant scheduled for bilateral myringotomy and ear tubes. Describe NPO guidelines for feeding a child solid food. What about clear liquids? What about breastmilk? A healthy 20 year old has had 6 oz. of water 3 hours prior to elective surgery. Should you cancel or delay the case? Why or why not?
3. List the key features of a complete airway evaluation.
4. What are the basic anesthesia monitors that American Society of Anesthesiologists requires?