APGAR Scoring

Question 1

What is the APGAR score?

Answer 1

The APGAR score is conducted in term infants as an assessment of clinical status immediately following birth.

Question 2

APGAR score components

Answer 2

The score has five components; heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and colour. Each receives a score from 0 to 2 with a maximum score of 10.

Question 3

When is the APGAR score calculated?

Answer 3

The score is calculated at one and five minutes after cleaning and drying the baby in a warm towel.

Question 4

APGAR Score Components

Answer 4

Question 5

What APGAR score is typically considered ‘normal’?

Answer 5

Scores of 7-10 are generally considered ‘normal’. A lower score is a prognostic indicator of worse outcomes and the need for immediate review by a senior medical professional. A score of 0-3 at 5 minutes is associated with increased neonatal mortality and cerebral palsy.

Question 6

What APGAR score is associated with increased neonatal mortality and cerebral palsy?

Answer 6

A lower score is a prognostic indicator of worse outcomes and the need for immediate review by a senior medical professional. A score of 0-3 at 5 minutes is associated with increased neonatal mortality and cerebral palsy.

Question 7

APGAR Score

Answer 7