APGAR score includes assessment of?

Appeared in: DSSSB Public Health Nurse - 2015

Explanation

The correct option lists the five components of the APGAR score: Reflex irritability, Muscle tone, Color (Appearance), Respiration, and Pulse (Heart rate).
The APGAR mnemonic is a helpful tool to remember these five signs: Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration.
Each component is evaluated and scored at 1 and 5 minutes after birth to assess the newborn's transition to extrauterine life.
This option accurately reflects all the criteria established by Dr. Virginia Apgar for this assessment.

Option B: This option is incorrect because 'sleep' and 'behavior' are not components of the APGAR score. The APGAR score assesses immediate physiological status, not behavioral states.
Option C: This option incorrectly includes 'sleep'. While 'activity' (muscle tone) and 'color' are part of the APGAR score, the inclusion of 'sleep' makes this option wrong.
Option D: This option incorrectly includes 'behavior'. The APGAR score focuses on five specific physiological signs, and 'behavior' is too general and not one of the assessed criteria.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to The APGAR score is a rapid assessment tool used to evaluate a newborn's physical condition immediately after birth and their response to resuscitation if needed to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
The APGAR score is a critical tool for nurses and doctors in the delivery room to quickly communicate a newborn's status and determine the need for resuscitation.
A score is taken at 1 minute to assess how well the baby tolerated the birthing process and at 5 minutes to see how well the baby is adapting to the environment.
If the 5-minute score is less than 7, scoring is continued every 5 minutes for up to 20 minutes to assess the response to resuscitation efforts.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question. The key is to recognize the term 'APGAR score'.
Recall the mnemonic APGAR: Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration.
Translate the mnemonic into the corresponding clinical signs: Color, Heart Rate, Reflex Irritability, Muscle Tone, and Respiratory Effort.
Scan the options to find the one that lists these five components.
Eliminate options that include terms not part of the APGAR assessment, such as 'sleep' or 'behavior'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The APGAR score is a rapid assessment tool used to evaluate a newborn's physical condition immediately after birth and their response to resuscitation if needed.
Stem keywords: APGAR score, assessment
Lead-in keywords: includes
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 3

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 118-120

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