What does the acronym "APGAR" assess in pediatric medicine?

• A. Appearance, Pulse, Grimace response, Activity, Respiration
• B. Age, Pain, Gain, Adverse reactions, Recovery
• C. Airway, Pulse, Gravity, Activity, Recovery
• D. Appearance, Pumping, Gravity, Action, Respiration

Answer: (A)

The acronym "APGAR" is a foundational assessment tool used in pediatric medicine, specifically to evaluate the health of newborns immediately after birth. The components of the APGAR score include Appearance, Pulse, Grimace response, Activity, and Respiration. Each of these components is scored from 0 to 2, with a total score ranging from 0 to 10.

• Appearance assesses the color of the infant’s skin, which indicates oxygenation; a score of 0 is given for a blue or pale appearance, 1 for a body that is pink with blue extremities, and 2 for a completely pink body.

• Pulse measures the heart rate, with scores of 0 for no heartbeat, 1 for a heart rate below 100 beats per minute, and 2 for a heart rate over 100 beats per minute.

• Grimace response evaluates reflexes and response to stimuli, with 0 for no response, 1 for a grimace when stimulated, and 2 for a vigorous cry or cough.

• Activity checks muscle tone, assigning 0 for limpness, 1 for some flexion of the extremities, and 2 for active