Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
Apgar score
Pronunciation: AP-gar
A standardized assessment tool used to evaluate newborn health immediately after birth.
Full Definition
A numerical scoring system developed by Virginia Apgar that rates five vital signs (appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, respiration) on a scale of 0-2 each, with scores recorded at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. The total score ranges from 0-10 and helps determine immediate medical intervention needs. Scores of 7-10 are considered normal, while lower scores may indicate respiratory or cardiovascular distress requiring immediate attention.
Usage
Usage note: Named after Dr. Virginia Apgar; capitalize when referring to the specific scoring system.
In Context
- "The newborn's Apgar score of 9 at one minute indicated excellent adaptation to extrauterine life." — Birth record documentation
- "Low Apgar scores may necessitate immediate resuscitative measures in the delivery room." — Clinical guideline
Also known as
newborn assessment score