Final answer:
The Apgar score assesses newborns' health after birth, with emphasis on heart rate and respiration. Scores range from 0-10; 8-10 is normal, while under 7 may require medical intervention, and under 5 indicates an emergency. It is a quick and essential tool for evaluating a newborn's immediate health status.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Apgar score is a method to quickly summarize the health of newborn children against five simple criteria: skin color (appearance), heart rate (pulse), reflex (grimace), muscle tone (activity), and respiration. Each one of these criteria is scored on a scale of 0 to 2, with a higher number indicating a healthier baby state. The Apgar test is conducted quickly after birth, at the 1-minute and 5-minute marks, and it provides an immediate assessment for healthcare providers to determine if the newborn requires medical assistance.
Reassuring fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns indicate a baby's wellness in utero. These patterns can be assessed during pregnancy and are also a critical component of the Apgar score post-delivery. The FHR contributes to the Apgar score in reflecting the newborn's condition. If a baby's heart rate is below 100 beats per minute at the 5-minute mark, it may signal the need for intervention. A score of 8 to 10 is generally normal, whereas lower scores, especially those below 5, indicate a potential emergency and the necessity for immediate medical attention.