apgar scoring Flashcards
What does the APGAR score assess?
Newborn well-being based on heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color.
When is the APGAR score assessed?
At 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth.
What APGAR score is considered “vigorous”?
A score of 7 or above.
How is stimulation provided during the APGAR assessment?
By suctioning the infant or gently flicking the sole of the foot.
What is the best way to determine a newborn’s heart rate?
Auscultation with a stethoscope.
What are other ways to assess a newborn’s heart rate?
Observing and counting pulsations of the umbilical cord.
How are respirations counted in a newborn?
By observing chest movements.
What is the expected respiratory pattern of a mature newborn?
Cries and aerates lungs spontaneously within 30 seconds, with regular but rapid respirations by 1 minute.
What factors may cause difficulty breathing in a newborn?
Large amounts of analgesia or general anesthesia given to the parent during labor or birth.
What is normal muscle tone in a term newborn?
Holding extremities tightly flexed, mimicking the intrauterine position.
How is muscle tone assessed in a newborn?
By observing resistance to extension of extremities.
What stimuli are used to assess reflex irritability?
Suction catheter in the nostrils or flicking the soles of the feet.
Why do all infants appear cyanotic at birth?
Due to initial lack of oxygen before the first breath.
What indicates a score of 2 for heart rate?
HR >100 bpm.
What indicates a score of 1 for heart rate?
HR present but <100 bpm.
What indicates a score of 0 for heart rate?
No heart rate.
What indicates a score of 2 for respiratory effort?
Strong, vigorous cry.
What indicates a score of 1 for respiratory effort?
Weak cry, slow or difficult respirations.
What indicates a score of 0 for respiratory effort?
No respiratory effort.
What indicates a score of 2 for muscle tone?
Maintains a position of flexion with brisk movements.
What indicates a score of 1 for muscle tone?
Minimal flexion of extremities.
What indicates a score of 0 for muscle tone?
Limp and flaccid.
What indicates a score of 2 for reflex irritability?
Cries or sneezes when stimulated.
What indicates a score of 1 for reflex irritability?
Grimaces when stimulated.
What indicates a score of 0 for reflex irritability?
No response to stimulation.
What indicates a score of 2 for color?
Body and extremities pink.
What indicates a score of 1 for color?
Body pink, extremities blue (acrocyanosis).
What indicates a score of 0 for color?
Body and extremities blue (cyanosis) or completely pale (pallor).
What is acrocyanosis?
Cyanosis of the hands and feet, common in newborns, often leading to a score of 1 in color.
