Juharah S.

Piang
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Apgar Scoring Assignment:

Apgar is a quick test performed on a baby at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. The 1-minute score determines
how well the baby tolerated the birthing process. The 5-minute score tells the health care provider how
well the baby is doing outside the mother's womb. The Apgar score comprises five components: 1)
color, 2) heart rate, 3) reflexes, 4) muscle tone, and 5) respiration, each of which is given a score of 0, 1,
or 2.

How the Test is performed

 The Apgar test is done by a doctor, midwife, or nurse. The provider examines the baby's:

 Breathing effort
 If the infant is not breathing, the respiratory score is 0.
 If the respirations are slow or irregular, the infant scores 1 for respiratory effort.
 If the infant cries well, the respiratory score is 2.

 Heart rate
 If there is no heartbeat, the infant scores 0 for heart rate.
 If heart rate is less than 100 beats per minute, the infant scores 1 for heart rate.
 If heart rate is greater than 100 beats per minute, the infant scores 2 for heart rate.

 Muscle tone
 If muscles are loose and floppy, the infant scores 0 for muscle tone.
 If there is some muscle tone, the infant scores 1.
 If there is active motion, the infant scores 2 for muscle tone.

 Reflexes
 If there is no reaction, the infant scores 0 for reflex irritability.
 If there is grimacing, the infant scores 1 for reflex irritability.
 If there is grimacing and a cough, sneeze, or vigorous cry, the infant scores 2 for reflex
irritability.

 Skin color
 If the skin color is pale blue, the infant scores 0 for color.
 If the body is pink and the extremities are blue, the infant scores 1 for color.
 If the entire body is pink, the infant scores 2 for color.