Apgar Scale
- A simple, easy-to-perform, standardized scale that is used to determine the physical status of an infant at birth. The Apgar scale is administered to a newborn at one minute after birth and five minutes after birth.
- It scores the baby's heart rate, respiration, muscle tone, reflex response, and color. This test quickly alerts medical personnel that the newborn needs assistance.
- It scores the baby's heart rate, respiration, muscle tone, reflex response, and color. This test quickly alerts medical personnel that the newborn needs assistance.
Sign 0 points 1 point 2 points A Activity (Muscle tone) limp limbs flexed active movement P Pulse (heart rate) absent < 100 /min > 100 /min G Grimace (response to smell or foot slap) absent grimace cough or sneeze (nose), cry and withdrawal of foot (foot slap) A Appearance (color) blue body pink, extremities blue pink all over R Respiration (breathing) absent irregular weak crying good strong cry - The total Apgar score is the sum of the scores for the five signs.
See also: Apgar, Virginia.
Subjects: Medical