Overview
This lecture explains the APGAR score, a rapid assessment tool for evaluating newborn health immediately after birth using five criteria.
APGAR Score Overview
- The APGAR score was developed by Virginia Apgar in 1952 to assess newborns’ health.
- It consists of five criteria, each scored from 0 to 2, for a total range of 0–10.
- The five criteria can be remembered using the mnemonic "APGAR": Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respirations.
- The score is calculated at 1 and 5 minutes after birth; low scores are rechecked later.
Scoring Criteria Details
- Appearance: 0 = blue/pale, 1 = pink body/blue extremities, 2 = all pink.
- Pulse: 0 = absent, 1 = <100 beats/min, 2 = >100 beats/min.
- Grimace: 0 = no response, 1 = grimace/weak reaction, 2 = cries with stimulation.
- Activity: 0 = limp, 1 = some flexion, 2 = active movement against resistance.
- Respirations: 0 = absent, 1 = weak/irregular, 2 = strong cry.
Interpretation and Use
- A score of 7 or higher is considered normal.
- Scores below 7 indicate newborn distress requiring intervention (e.g., suction, stimulation).
- Persistent low scores (e.g., 3) can suggest severe long-term outcomes, including neurological damage.
- The main purpose of the APGAR score is to determine the need for urgent intervention, not to predict long-term outcomes.
Key Terms & Definitions
- APGAR score — a 0–10 point test assessing newborn health using five criteria.
- Appearance — newborn's skin color.
- Pulse — newborn's heart rate.
- Grimace — reflex response to stimulation.
- Activity — level of muscle tone and movement.
- Respirations — effort and quality of breathing.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Memorize the five APGAR criteria and their scoring.
- Review when and how to perform the APGAR assessment in clinical scenarios.