Final answer:
The Apgar test measures five criteria in a newborn including skin color, heart rate, reflexes, muscle tone, and respiration to evaluate the baby's transition from the womb to the outside world, with heart rate and respiration being critical. Scores are taken at 1 and 5 minutes after birth and range from 0 to 10, indicating the baby's condition. Scores below 7 sometimes require medical attention, while scores below 5 indicate an emergency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Apgar test is a simple assessment given to an infant immediately after birth. This test evaluates the infant's transition from the uterus to the outside world by measuring five main criteria: skin color, heart rate, reflexes, muscle tone, and respiration. Each of these is assigned a score of 0, 1, or 2. The heart rate and respiration are considered the most critical assessments. Scores are initially taken at 1 minute after birth and then again at 5 minutes after birth. The total score, which is the sum of the five criteria, can range from 0 to 10. A high score indicates that the baby is adjusting well to the new environment outside the womb, while a low score may signal distress and the possible need for immediate medical intervention.
A typical Apgar score progression may involve an infant scoring an intermediate 1 for some criteria at the initial assessment, but by the 5-minute mark, the score might progress to a 2. Normal Apgar scores are generally 8 or above. Scores lower than 7 may indicate that some medical assistance is necessary, and a score below 5 constitutes an emergency scenario.