Pre-operative Assessment

Question 1

When should a pre-op assessment be performed?

Answer 1

Before elective, urgent or emergency surgery (any surgery)

Question 2

What is performed during a pre-op assessment?

Answer 2

History (known and unknown co-morbidities and ability to withstand stress. D+A, PSH, previous anaesthesia)

Examination

Investigations (detect unknown conditions, diagnose, severity of known disease, baseline, assess risk, documenting improvement)

Question 3

What is ASA grading?

Answer 3

Anaesthetic grading that classifies patients.
ASA1 Otherwise healthy patient
ASA2 Mild to moderate systemic disturbance
ASA3 Severe systemic disturbance
ASA4 Life threatening disease
ASA5 Moribund patient
(ASA6 Organ retrieval)

Question 4

List 4 lifestyle factors that will affect mortality and morbidity risk from surgery

Answer 4

Smoking
Alcohol
Obesity
Exercise