In the NNIS risk index scoring system, a preoperative ASA score of 3 to 5 contributes how many points?

• A. 0 points
• B. 1 point
• C. 2 points
• D. 3 points

Answer: (B)

The NNIS risk index estimates infection risk by adding up the contributions from three preoperative and intraoperative factors: the patient’s preoperative status (ASA), wound class, and how long the operation lasts. Each factor that signals higher risk adds a point, and the points are summed to form the overall score. A preoperative ASA score in the higher range reflects more severe systemic disease, which increases infection risk, so it triggers adding a point for ASA status. The wound class and the duration of surgery can also add points if they are in higher-risk categories, raising the total NNIS score accordingly. Therefore, the ASA portion contributes a point to the NNIS risk index.