AAPD-QE Practice Exam

In the context of the ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) classification system, categorizing a child's health status prior to anesthesia or surgery is crucial for assessing risk. Among the characteristics listed, "No systemic disease" accurately describes a child who would not be considered sick in terms of the ASA classification.

A child without any systemic disease is classified as ASA I, indicating a healthy individual. In contrast, the other characteristics—severe systemic disease, constant threat to life, and moribund condition—indicate varying degrees of health challenges or critical conditions. Severe systemic disease reflects significant health issues that could complicate medical procedures. A constant threat to life denotes a more severe, ongoing health crisis. The moribund condition implies that the individual is near death and unlikely to survive without immediate medical intervention.

Thus, identifying "No systemic disease" as the correct answer highlights the distinction between a healthy state and various levels of sickness as defined by the ASA classification.