Which statement about the APGAR score is true?

• A. It measures blood pressure in newborns
• B. It determines the need for resuscitation
• C. It is used to quickly assess newborn condition after birth
• D. It is used to assess maternal health

Answer: (C)

APGAR score is a quick, standardized assessment of a newborn’s condition immediately after birth. It evaluates five areas—appearance (skin color), pulse, grimace (reflex irritability), activity (muscle tone), and respiration—each scored 0 to 2, for a total of 0 to 10. This score helps the team gauge how well the baby is adapting outside the womb and guides immediate care, including whether further resuscitation or monitoring is needed. It does not measure blood pressure, nor does it assess maternal health. While a very low APGAR score can prompt urgent actions, the primary purpose is to quickly assess the newborn’s condition right after birth.