Apgar score documentation
Pronunciation: APP-gar
Also written as: APGAR — Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiratory
Standardized scoring system assessed at 1 and 5 minutes after birth to evaluate neonatal condition and guide immediate care decisions.
Full Definition
The Apgar score is a rapid assessment tool used to evaluate a newborn's condition immediately after birth, scored at 1, 5, and sometimes 10 minutes. Five parameters are assessed: Appearance (color), Pulse (heart rate), Grimace (reflex irritability), Activity (muscle tone), and Respiratory effort. Each parameter is scored 0, 1, or 2, with total scores ranging from 0-10. Scores help guide immediate resuscitation needs and provide baseline information for anesthetic management if surgery is required in the immediate neonatal period. Low scores may indicate the need for respiratory support or other interventions.
Usage
Usage note: Document both 1-minute and 5-minute scores; 10-minute scoring if 5-minute score is less than 7.
In Context
- "The Apgar score documentation showed improvement from 6 at 1 minute to 9 at 5 minutes following gentle stimulation." — Delivery room record
- "Low initial Apgar scores prompted the neonatology team consultation before emergency surgery planning." — Neonatal surgery consultation