APGAR Meaning and
Definition
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APGAR is a standardized scoring system developed by anesthesiologist Virginia Apgar in 1952 to quickly assess the condition and well-being of newborns. It serves as a quick and objective evaluation of a newborn's physical health and helps medical professionals determine if any immediate interventions are required. The name "APGAR" is an acronym derived from the five key parameters checked during the assessment: Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration.
During an APGAR assessment, each parameter is assigned a score of 0, 1, or 2, with 2 being the highest and 0 the lowest. The Appearance category observes the baby's skin coloration, the Pulse checks the heart rate, the Grimace assesses the reflex irritability, the Activity evaluates muscle tone, and the Respiration monitors breathing effort. The scores are then added together to obtain the overall APGAR score, which ranges from 0 to 10.
Typically, the assessment is performed twice – at one minute and five minutes after birth – to measure the baby's well-being initially and then to observe how the baby responds to stimulation and adjusts to the new environment. A score between 7 and 10 is considered normal and reflects a strong indication of a healthy newborn, while a score below 7 might indicate potential health concerns, necessitating further medical attention and support. However, it is important to note that the APGAR score is not meant to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the baby's overall health, but acts as a quick assessment tool for immediate intervention if needed.
Common Misspellings for APGAR
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