Apgar Score

Procedure Guidelines

10.02 APGAR SCORE

Scoring system designed by Virginia Apgar is the most commonly used instrument for evaluating a newborn's condition upon delivery. Scores are given at one minute and five minute intervals following birth.

Sign	0	1	2
Appearance	Pale / blue	Pink body, blue extremities	Pink body, pink extremities
Pulse	Absent	Less than 100	100 or greater
Grimace	No response	Grimace	Cough, sneeze
Activity	Limp	Some flexion	Action
Respiratory effort	Absent	Slow, irregular	Strong crying

Assess and Support:

• Temperature (warm and dry)
• Airway (position and suction)
• Breathing (stimulate to cry)
• Circulation (heart rate and color)

Inverted pyramid reflecting relative frequencies of neonatal resuscitation efforts for the newborn who does not have meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Note that a majority of newborns respond to simple measures.