Apgar score definition

Apgar score definition

What is Apgar score and Definition

Apgar score - A standardized measure of an infant’s health status, typically assessed one minute and five minutes after birth. Anesthesiologist Virginia Apgar (1909–1974) developed the scoring system that bears her name in 1953, assigning a point value of 0, 1, or 2 to each of five categories of vital function (BREATHING, HEART RATE, REFLEX response, MUSCLE tone, and SKIN color) and reporting their sum as the overall Apgar score. Today the Apgar score is an international standard to assess whether a newborn needs resuscitation (lifesaving measures) and to evaluate the success of resuscitative efforts. The highest score possible is 10; doctors consider a score between 7 and 10 to reflect good health in the infant. A score between 4 and 7 bears monitoring and perhaps supportive care such as suctioning of the airways or supplemental oxygen. A score of 3 or lower indicates a life-threatening or critical circumstance for the infant.

APGAR SCORES
Apgar Score012
BREATHING not breathing slow or irregular breathing 20 to 50 breaths per minute, regular rhythm
HEART RATE no heart rate < 100 beats per minute 100 to 104 beats per minute
REFLEX response no response to nasal stimulation facial grimace with nasal stimulation sneeze or cough with nasal stimulation
MUSCLE tone flaccid some flexing of the arms and legs active movement
SKIN color cyanotic (bluish gray) cyanotic limbs pink

See also CHILDBIRTH; PREMATURE BIRTH.

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The Reproductive System

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