APGAR Score
Also written as: APGAR — Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiratory effort
Standardized assessment tool used to evaluate newborn condition at 1 and 5 minutes after birth, scoring five physiological parameters.
Full Definition
The APGAR score is a rapid assessment method developed by Virginia Apgar to evaluate newborn condition immediately after delivery. It assesses five parameters: Appearance (skin color), Pulse (heart rate), Grimace (reflex irritability), Activity (muscle tone), and Respiratory effort. Each parameter is scored 0, 1, or 2, with a maximum total of 10. Scores are typically recorded at 1 and 5 minutes after birth, with additional assessments if initial scores are low. This scoring system helps guide immediate newborn care decisions and provides a standardized method for documenting infant condition.
Usage
Usage note: Note the acronym spells the creator's surname; ensure consistent capitalization in medical documentation.
In Context
- "The infant had APGAR scores of 8 at 1 minute and 9 at 5 minutes, indicating good adaptation to extrauterine life." — Delivery summary
- "Low initial APGAR scores prompted immediate neonatal resuscitation efforts." — Neonatal intensive care admission note