Apgar score

Five parameters, each scored 0, 1 or 2, at 1 and 5 minutes: Heart rate: absent 0, under 100 1, over 100 2 Respiratory effort: absent 0, weak or irregular 1, strong cry 2 Muscle tone: flaccid 0, some flexion 1, active motion 2 Reflex irritability: none 0, grimace 1, cry or cough 2 Colour: blue or pale 0, body pink and extremities blue 1, fully pink 2 The score guides evaluation. It never delays resuscitation, which starts on assessment.

Clinical content reviewed by Ducamelle Louis, Registered Nurse