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Apgar score


Note: The word Apgar is sometimes used as an acronym. This helps people remember what infants are tested for. APGAR: Appearance, Pulse, Grimace (reflexes), Activity (muscle tone), and Respiration (breathing)

Origin: Virginia Apgar (1909-1974) was an American anesthesiologist who specialised in neonatology (the care of newborn, especially premature, infants). Virginia Apgar believed in the importance of early diagnosis of birth defects. She developed the Apgar score (1953) to quickly assess the health of newborn babies.

Quick Quiz:

Which of the following is NOT measured in the Apgar score?

a. sense of smell

b. heartbeat

c. movement

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Contributor: Tara Benwell