APGAR

Question 1

What is the history of the APGAR score?

Answer 1

This was named after virginia APGAR an American obstetrical anaesthesiologist who was interested in the side effects of anaesthesia given to a mother during her labour on the new born baby.
The APGAR at one min in 1952 decided whether there would be a need for resuscitation or not.

Question 2

What is the APGAR score?

Answer 2

• This is a standard test for quick newborn assessment.
• Identifies the babies that have difficulty breathing or have a problem that needs further care
• This test is done at 1 min 5mins and 10mins
• Good method to evaluate the newborns transition to life outside the womb.
• 5 simple criteria to evaluate the baby, each criteria is scored on a scale of 0-2, 2 being the highest for a max of 10
• each letter of the APGAR became a way to retain information more easily.

Question 3

What does APGAR stand for?

Answer 3

A = Appearance- skin colour/ complexion
Blue all over = 0
Blue at extremities = 1
Pink all over = 2
P = Pulse - pulse rate
Less then 60 = 0
More then 60 but less then 100 = 1
More then 100 = 2
G = Grimace -reflex and irritability
No response to stimulation = 0
Grimace/ feeble cry when stimulated = 1
Sneeze/ cough/ pulls away when stimulated =2
A = Activity - muscle tone
None = 0
Some flexion = 1
Active movement = 2
R = Respiration - breathing
Absent = 0
Weak or irregular = 1
Strong = 2