What does APGAR stand for in newborn assessment?

APGAR is a mnemonic used to quickly assess the health status of a newborn immediately after birth. Each letter in APGAR stands for a specific criterion:

• Appearance: This evaluates the skin color of the baby, indicating oxygenation. A healthy newborn typically shows a pink hue.

• Pulse: This measures the heart rate, which is crucial for determining if the newborn is adequately perfused.

• Grimace: This refers to the baby’s response to stimulation, which indicates neurological function and alertness.

• Activity: This assesses the muscle tone and movement of the newborn, with strong flexing of arms and legs being a positive sign.

• Respiration: This evaluates the baby's breathing effort; effective breathing is critical for survival.

This assessment is conducted at one and five minutes after birth, helping healthcare providers determine the need for immediate medical intervention. The other options do not accurately reflect the established terms and criteria used in the APGAR scoring system, making them unsuitable choices.