Question

When are Apgar scores routinely assessed in newborns?

A) At 1 min after birth

B) At 5 min after birth

C) As part of routine admission, within 2 hr of birth

D) Routinely thereafter based on institutional protocols

E) At discharge from the institution

Answer 1

Apgar scores are assessed at 1 minute and again at 5 minutes after birth to evaluate the newborn's health and need for medical intervention.

Step-by-step explanation:

Apgar scores are routinely assessed in newborns at two specific times: at 1 minute after birth and again at 5 minutes after birth. These scores evaluate the newborn's transition from the uterus to the outside world and are a critical first check of the baby's health. Each of the five Apgar criteria, skin color, heart rate, reflex, muscle tone, and respiration, is assigned a score of 0, 1, or 2. High scores indicate the baby has made the transition well, whereas lower scores suggest the baby may require medical attention. Specifically, any score less than 7 at the 5-minute mark may indicate the need for medical assistance, and a total score below 5 is considered an emergency.