Apgar Score

Question 1

Appearance score?

Answer 1

Appearance (A): This assesses the baby’s skin color.

• Score 0: Blue or pale all over.
• Score 1: Body is pink, but extremities are blue (acrocyanosis).
• Score 2: Baby is pink all over.

Question 2

Pulse score?

Answer 2

Pulse (P): This evaluates the baby’s heart rate.

• Score 0: Absent heart rate.
• Score 1: Heart rate less than 100 beats per minute.
• Score 2: Heart rate 100 beats per minute or more.

Question 3

Grimace Response score?

Answer 3

Also referred to as “reflex irritability,” this assesses the baby’s response to stimulation, such as gently tapping the sole of the foot.

• Score 0: No response to stimulation.
• Score 1: Grimace or weak response to stimulation.
• Score 2: Vigorous cry or pull away when stimulated.

Question 4

Activity score?

Answer 4

Activity (A): This evaluates the baby’s muscle tone.

• Score 0: Limp, no muscle tone.
• Score 1: Some muscle tone, arms and legs flexed.
• Score 2: Active motion, good muscle tone.

Question 5

Respiration score?

Answer 5

Respiration (R): This assesses the baby’s breathing effort.

• Score 0: Absent, no breathing.
• Score 1: Weak or irregular breathing.
• Score 2: Strong, vigorous crying or breathing.