For this assignment, you are required to watch “APGAR Score,” and apply “Calculating the Apgar Score.” These are located in the Unit 2 Learning Content “Assessing the Neonate and Problems of the Newborn.”
The APGAR score is a standardized method used in neonatal care to quickly and objectively assess the physical condition of a newborn baby immediately after birth. It was created by an anesthesiologist named Virginia Apgar in 1952. The acronym APGAR stands for Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration. Each of these five factors is given a score of 0, 1, or 2, with 0 indicating poor performance and 2 indicating good performance. The scores are then added up to give a total APGAR score, with a maximum possible score of 10.
The purpose of the APGAR score is to provide a rapid assessment of the baby’s overall well-being and to identify any immediate medical interventions that may be necessary. It is typically done at one minute and again at five minutes after birth, although additional assessments may be done if the initial scores are low.
The first component of the APGAR score is Appearance, which assesses the baby’s skin color. A score of 0 is given if the baby is pale all over, a score of 1 is given if there is some pink color in the baby’s body but the extremities (hands and feet) are still pale, and a score of 2 is given if the baby is pink all over. The color of the baby’s skin is an important indicator of adequate oxygenation and circulation.
The second component is Pulse, which assesses the baby’s heart rate. A score of 0 is given if there is no heartbeat, a score of 1 is given if the heart rate is below 100 beats per minute, and a score of 2 is given if the heart rate is above 100 beats per minute. A strong and regular heart rate is essential for proper oxygenation and circulation.
The third component is Grimace, which assesses the baby’s reflexes and response to stimulation. A score of 0 is given if there is no response to stimulation, a score of 1 is given if there is a feeble response or only grimacing, and a score of 2 is given if there is a strong response, such as crying or pulling away. Adequate reflexes and response to stimulation are indicative of a well-functioning nervous system.
The fourth component is Activity, which assesses the baby’s muscle tone. A score of 0 is given if the baby’s limbs are limp and floppy, a score of 1 is given if there is some flexion or resistance to movement, and a score of 2 is given if the baby has active movements and is full of resistance. Good muscle tone is important for the baby’s ability to move and breathe.
The fifth and final component is Respiration, which assesses the baby’s breathing effort and effectiveness. A score of 0 is given if there is no breathing, a score of 1 is given if the baby has weak or irregular breathing, and a score of 2 is given if the baby has a strong cry and is breathing well. Adequate respiration is crucial for oxygen exchange and maintaining normal blood gas levels.
After each component is scored, the scores are added up to give a total APGAR score. The scores at one minute and five minutes are compared to assess the baby’s response to resuscitative efforts. The APGAR score does not predict the baby’s long-term outcome or determine the need for ongoing medical care, but it provides immediate information about the baby’s condition and guides the medical team’s decisions regarding further interventions.
In conclusion, the APGAR score is a standardized method used in neonatal care to assess the physical condition of a newborn baby immediately after birth. It provides a rapid assessment of the baby’s overall well-being based on five components: Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration. Each component is scored from 0 to 2, and the scores are added up to give a total APGAR score. The APGAR score plays a crucial role in guiding immediate medical interventions and evaluating the baby’s response to resuscitation efforts.
