Vocabulary
APGAR Score: A quick test performed on a newborn baby to assess their health immediately after birth. It evaluates five criteria: Appearance, Pulse, Grimace response, Activity, and Respiration. Each criterion is scored from 0 to 2, with a total score ranging from 0 to 10.
Health: The state of being free from illness or injury. In this context, it refers to the overall condition of the baby after birth.
Pink: A light red color. In the context of the conversation, it indicates good blood circulation in the baby's body.
Blue: A color that indicates a lack of oxygen. In this case, it refers to the baby's hands and feet, suggesting that the blood circulation is not fully developed.
Circulation: The movement of blood throughout the body. Proper circulation is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues.
Heart Rate: The number of times the heart beats in a minute. A normal heart rate for a newborn is typically between 120 and 160 beats per minute.
Responds: To react to a stimulus. In this context, it refers to how the baby reacts when the nurse taps under his feet.
Grimace(因为痛而面部扭曲的表情）: A facial expression that typically indicates discomfort or pain. Here, it shows that the baby reacted but did not cry.
Muscle Tone: The amount of tension or resistance to movement in muscles. Good muscle tone indicates that the baby is active and healthy.
Breathe: To take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. It is a vital function for survival, especially for newborns.
Crying: The act of producing tears and vocal sounds, often expressing distress, hunger, or discomfort. In this context, it indicates that the baby is breathing well.
Score: A numerical value assigned based on performance or health assessment. In this case, it refers to the baby's APGAR score, which helps determine his health status.
Listening
Reading & Speaking
Nurse: I'm going to do an APGAR score now.
Parent: What's that?
Nurse: It checks your baby's health after his birth.
Parent:How are you going to do that?
Nurse: First, I'm going to see if he is pink all over. He's quite pink, but his hands and feet are a bit blue. His blood circulation is still immature.
Parent: Oh, I see.
Nurse: Now I'm going to check your baby's heart rate.
Parent: Is it okay?
Nurse: Yes, it's 120 beats per minute.
Parent: Okay,
Nurse: next I'll tap under his feet to see how he responds.
Parent: What did he do?
Nurse: He didn't cry; he just made a grimace.
Nurse: Okay, I'm going to bend his arms and legs to check his muscle tone....That's good; he is quite active.
Parent: Are you finished?
Nurse: Now the last thing is to see how easy it is for him to breathe.
.............
Parent: But he started crying.
Nurse: That's okay; it shows that he is breathing well.
Parent: That's good. Is my baby okay?
Nurse: Your baby is doing well. He has a score of eight. He can breathe well on his own, and his heart is beating strongly.
Parent: What about his hands and feet? They're a bit blue.
Nurse: Don't worry; he'll warm up soon.
Parent: Okay, thanks.
Quiz Please scan the QR Code to take a quiz
Background
The APGAR score was developed in 1952 by Dr. Virginia Apgar, an American obstetrical anesthesiologist. The acronym "APGAR" stands for:
Appearance
Pulse
Grimace response
Activity
Respiration
The five components assessed are:
Appearance (Skin Color):
2 points: Normal color all over (pink)
1 point: Normal color but with bluish hands and feet
0 points: Bluish-gray or pale all over
Pulse (Heart Rate):
2 points: Above 100 beats per minute
1 point: Below 100 beats per minute
0 points: Absent (no pulse)
Grimace Response (Reflexes):
2 points: Pulls away, sneezes, coughs, or cries with stimulation
1 point: Facial movement only (grimace) with stimulation
0 points: Absent (no response to stimulation)
Activity (Muscle Tone):
2 points: Active, spontaneous movement
1 point: Arms and legs flexed with little movement
0 points: No movement, "floppy" tone
Respiration (Breathing Rate and Effort):
2 points: Normal rate and effort, good cry
1 point: Slow or irregular breathing, weak cry
0 points: Absent (no breathing)
A score of 7 or above is generally considered normal, while lower scores may indicate the need for medical attention。
Development: Dr. Apgar created the scoring system to provide a quick and efficient method to assess the health of newborns immediately after birth. She wanted to ensure that healthcare providers could identify infants who needed immediate medical attention.
Standardization: The APGAR criteria were based on clinical observations and research into newborn health. The scoring system was designed to be simple and easy to remember, allowing healthcare professionals to quickly evaluate a baby’s condition.
Global Adoption: The APGAR score has since become a standard practice in hospitals around the world. It is used universally because it provides a reliable assessment of a newborn's health, guiding healthcare interventions and monitoring.
Impact
The APGAR score has significantly improved the ability to assess and respond to newborns' needs, contributing to better outcomes in neonatal care. It remains a vital tool in obstetrics and pediatrics today.
