Apgar Score

The Apgar score assessment was devised by Virginia Apgar and works on a scoring system of five vital signs of a newborn infant.

The initial assessment is made at 1 min and then again at 5 min's after the infants birth. Each of the vital signs are given a score of either 0, 1 or 2, with a favorable final score of 10. A score of less than 7 could indicate a possible deficit in the infant's vital function, although often temporary. The vital functions tested are as follows:

· Color (blue or pale blue = 0, Pink body with blue hands and feet = 1, completely pink = 2)

· Heart rate (Absent = 0, less than 100 = 1, more than 100 = 2)

· Respiration (Absent = 0, Slow or irregular = 1, Strong hearty cry = 2)

· Reflex irritability (No response = 0, Grimace = 1, Cry = 2)

· Muscle tone (Limp = 0, Some flexing of limbs = 1, Active movement = 2).

Additional medical conditions: