Question

The scale which physicians use to evaluate the vital signs of a newborn infant in the delivery room is

• A. Amniocentesis
• B. LBW
• C. Ultrasound
• D. APGAR

Hint:

APGAR Score: Evaluated at 1 & 5 minutes post-birth. Acronym: Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration. Max score = 10.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Neonatal clinical assessment utilizes standardized rapid scoring indices immediately at 1 and 5 minutes post-delivery.
Key Formula or Approach:
\[ \text{APGAR Score (0 to 10)} = \text{Appearance} + \text{Pulse} + \text{Grimace} + \text{Activity} + \text{Respiration} \]

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Developed by Dr. Virginia Apgar in 1952, the APGAR Scale is the universal standardized clinical assessment tool used to evaluate a newborn's physical condition immediately at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth across five vital criteria (each scored 0, 1, or 2):
1. A - Appearance (Skin colour)
2. P - Pulse (Heart rate)
3. G - Grimace (Reflex irritability)
4. A - Activity (Muscle tone)
5. R - Respiration (Breathing effort)
A score of 7 to 10 indicates good health.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, physicians use the APGAR scale, matching option (D).