In the ASA-AANA Joint Statement, how did anesthesiologists view CRNAs?

• A. As physician assistants with no independent responsibility
• B. As physician extenders, dependent on physicians
• C. As nurse specialists with independent professional responsibility
• D. As unrelated to anesthesia practice

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is how the anesthesia care team models the relationship between anesthesiologists and CRNAs. In the ASA-AANA Joint Statement, anesthesiologists view CRNAs as physician extenders who provide anesthesia care under physician supervision or direction. This reflects a collaborative arrangement where CRNAs handle the anesthesia delivery and monitoring, while the physician anesthesiologist remains ultimately responsible for patient safety and can assume oversight or control as needed, especially in complex cases. The concept behind this view is not independence or a lack of responsibility, but a team-based approach with clear supervision.