Which ASA grade would a neonatal patient under 12 weeks old who is otherwise healthy be assigned?

• A. I
• B. III
• C. II
• D. IV

Answer: (C)

In ASA physical status, even a baby who is otherwise healthy is assigned a higher category due to their age-related physiology. Neonates have immature organ systems and limited physiologic reserve, which makes them more vulnerable to anesthesia effects. That inherent vulnerability places a healthy neonate in ASA II rather than ASA I.

ASA II covers patients with mild systemic conditions or factors that increase risk without overt disease. Here, the neonatal physiology itself counts as a risk factor, so a healthy neonate under 12 weeks is classified as ASA II. The other options imply actual systemic disease or life-threatening conditions, which aren’t present in this scenario.