Describe the Apgar Scale, and explain how it is used

What will be an ideal response?

The Apgar Scale rates an infant's Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration. Doctors and nurses use the instrument to assess a newborn's physical condition quickly. A rating of 0, 1, or 2 on each of the five characteristics is made at 1 minute and again at 5 minutes after birth. A combined Apgar score of 7 or better indicates that the infant is in good physical condition. If the score is between 4 and 6, the baby needs assistance in establishing breathing and other vital signs. If the score is 3 or below, the infant is in serious danger and requires emergency medical attention. Two Apgar ratings are given because some babies have trouble adjusting at first, but do quite well after a few minutes. Apgar ratings are given as follows:
- Appearance (color) – 0 for blue body, arms and legs; 1 for pink body with blue arms and legs; 2 for completely pink body. The skin tone of nonwhite babies makes it difficult to apply the "pink" color criterion. But, newborns of all races are rated for pinkish glow resulting from the flow of oxygen through body tissues.
- Pulse (heart rate) – 0 for no heartbeat; 1 for under 100 beats per minute; 2 for 100 to 140 beats per minute
- Grimace (reflex irritability—sneezing, coughing, and grimacing) – 0 for no response; 1 for weak reflexive response; 2 for strong reflexive response
- Activity (muscle tone) – 0 for completely limp; 1 for weak movements of arms and legs; 2 for strong movement of arms and legs
- Respiration (respiratory effort) – 0 for no breathing for 60 seconds; 1 for irregular, shallow breathing; 2 for strong breathing and crying.