APGAR Score
APGAR Scoring is a numerical system of rating the condition of a newborn. It evealuates the newborn's heart rate, respiratory rate, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color. It should be done 1 and 5 minutes after birth.
The APGAR system scoring helps distinguish between newborns who need only routine care and those who need greater assistance. The system also predicts long-term survival.
The parameters for APGAR scoring inlude:
Apperance
Pulse rate
Grimace
Activity
Respiratory effort
A score of 0, 1, or 2 is given to the above parameters. The minimum total score is 0 and the maximum is 10. A score of 7 to 10 indicates an active and vigorous newborn who requires only routine care. A score of 4 to 6 indicates a moderately distressed newborn who requires oxygenation and stimulation. A score less than 4 is a severely distress newborn who requires immediate resuscitaion. By determining the APGAR score at 1 and 5 minutes, you can determine whether intervention has caused a change in the newborns status.
APGAR Score table below
Score | 0 | 1 | 2 |
Appearance | Blue or pale | Body pink; hands and feet blue | Completely pink |
Pulse (Heart Rate) | Absent | Less than 100 beats per minute | More than 100 beats per minute |
Grimace (Reflex Irritability) | Absent | Grimace | Grimace and cough or sneeze |
Activity (Muscle Tone) | Limp | Some flexing of arms and legs | Active motion |
Respiration | Absent | Slow, irregular; weak cry | Good; strong cry |
TOTAL SCORE=
Sources:
Paramedic Care Principles and Practice Vol 5
http://www.marshfieldclinic.org/patients/?page=cattails_2006_marapr_apgar2