Newborn Life Support Practice Exam

In the APGAR scoring system, a score of 3 or less indicates that the newborn is in a critical condition and requires immediate intervention. The APGAR score assesses five criteria: Appearance, Pulse, Grimace response, Activity, and Respiration, each given a score of 0 to 2, leading to a total score ranging from 0 to 10.

When a newborn scores 3 or less, this suggests severe distress, with indications of inadequate breathing, poor muscle tone, significant respiratory issues, or a weak heart rate. Such a low score necessitates quick action to address life-threatening complications, including the need for resuscitation or other urgent medical interventions.

In contrast, scores of 7 or more typically indicate that the newborn is in good health and does not require immediate intervention. A score of 4 to 6 indicates moderate distress and might warrant monitoring or supportive measures, but it is not as urgent as the situation when the score is 3 or less. Lastly, a score of 8 to 10 reflects a generally stable and healthy infant who is transitioning well after birth.