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APGAR score.

Score at 1 and 5 minutes. Document status — but never delay resuscitation to calculate it.

Appearance (skin color)

Pulse (heart rate)

Grimace (reflex irritability)

Activity (muscle tone)

Respiration

Total

0/10

Select each category

Interpretation

  • 7–10: Normal. Routine warming, drying, stimulation.
  • 4–6: Moderately depressed. Stimulate, provide blow-by oxygen, be ready to ventilate.
  • 0–3: Severely depressed. Immediate positive pressure ventilation; CPR if HR < 60 after 30 seconds of effective ventilation.

FAQ

When is APGAR scored?

At 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth. If the 5-minute score is under 7, repeat every 5 minutes up to 20 minutes.

What does the score mean?

7–10 is reassuring, 4–6 is moderately depressed and needs support (stimulation, oxygen, ventilation), and 0–3 is severely depressed and requires immediate resuscitation.

Does APGAR guide resuscitation?

No. Resuscitation decisions are based on heart rate, respiratory effort, and tone — not on waiting for the APGAR score. APGAR documents status; the NRP algorithm drives action.

How do I remember the components?

APGAR: Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration. Each is scored 0, 1, or 2 for a total of 0–10.

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