Preoperative assessment and risk stratification

Your progress

Saved on this device.

Target exams

Red flags

• Cannot climb one flight of stairs (<4 METs) = poor functional capacity — escalate assessment for major surgery.
• Active cardiac conditions (unstable coronary syndrome, decompensated HF, significant arrhythmia, severe valve disease) stop elective lists until evaluated.
• RCRI ≥3 ≈ 11% major cardiac event risk — plan monitoring, optimisation, and shared decision-making.
• Day-of cancel for uncontrolled acute illness, new unstable cardiac symptoms, or inadequate fasting/airway plan — not for mild anxiety alone.
• Tests without a decision pathway are waste; order investigations that change management.