What does the APGAR score assess in newborns?

The APGAR score is a rapid assessment tool used to evaluate the physical condition of a newborn immediately after birth. It specifically measures five key criteria: heart rate, muscle tone, reflex responses (such as grimace to stimulation), body color, and breathing effort. Each of these criteria is scored on a scale from 0 to 2, with a total score ranging from 0 to 10.

This assessment is crucial because it provides a quick and effective way to determine whether a newborn requires immediate medical intervention. A higher APGAR score indicates a healthier newborn who is adapting well to life outside the womb, while a lower score may signal potential health issues that need to be addressed right away.

The other choices do not accurately reflect what the APGAR score assesses. While body weight and height are important factors in a baby's overall health, they are not included in the APGAR evaluation. Similarly, aspects like vision, hearing, behavioral responses, feeding ability, and skin color may be significant in assessing a newborn's health but are not part of the APGAR criteria itself. The focus is specifically on the immediate respiratory and cardiovascular adaptation and muscle tone following birth.