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APGAR Score and Newborn Assessment

The APGAR score rapidly assesses a newborn's condition at 1 and 5 minutes after birth across five parameters, guiding the need for resuscitation.

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Key Points to Know

What you must know about APGAR Score

1

APGAR assesses: Appearance (colour), Pulse (heart rate), Grimace (reflex), Activity (muscle tone), Respiration.

2

Each parameter is scored 0, 1, or 2, giving a maximum total of 10.

3

The score is assessed at 1 minute and again at 5 minutes after birth.

4

A score of 7–10 is normal; 4–6 is moderately depressed; 0–3 requires immediate resuscitation.

5

Heart rate is the most important parameter guiding resuscitation.

6

A persistently low score indicates the need for ongoing resuscitation and evaluation.

NMCN Exam Tips

How this topic appears in the NMCN exam

Memorise the APGAR acronym and each parameter.

Assessed at 1 and 5 minutes — a very common exam fact.

Maximum score is 10; 7–10 is normal.

Heart rate is the key parameter guiding resuscitation.

Practice Question

Test yourself

The APGAR score is used to assess the newborn and is taken at:

A.5 and 10 minutes after birth
B.1 and 5 minutes after birth✓ Correct
C.10 and 20 minutes after birth
D.Only once, immediately at birth

Explanation

The APGAR score is assessed at 1 minute and again at 5 minutes after birth. It evaluates Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration, each scored 0–2 for a maximum of 10.

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