APGAR score
Pronunciation: AP-gar
Also written as: APGAR — Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration
A standardized assessment of newborn condition at 1 and 5 minutes after birth.
Full Definition
A standardized scoring system used to quickly assess the physical condition of a newborn immediately after birth. Named after anesthesiologist Virginia Apgar, the score evaluates five criteria: Appearance (skin color), Pulse (heart rate), Grimace (reflex irritability), Activity (muscle tone), and Respiration (breathing effort). Each criterion is scored 0, 1, or 2, with a maximum total score of 10. Scores are typically recorded at 1 and 5 minutes after birth, with additional assessments if the 5-minute score is low.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalized as it's both an acronym and a proper name. The mnemonic helps remember the five assessment criteria.
In Context
- "The infant's APGAR scores were 7 at 1 minute and 9 at 5 minutes." — Delivery note
- "Low APGAR scores may indicate the need for immediate neonatal resuscitation." — Clinical guideline