Assessment · NRP
APGAR Score
Score the newborn on Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity and Respiration. Documented at 1 and 5 minutes (and at 10 minutes if the 5-minute score is < 7).
About the score
- 7–10: reassuring — routine care.
- 4–6: moderately depressed — continue resuscitation, reassess.
- 0–3: severely depressed — active resuscitation per NRP algorithm.
- Do not use the APGAR to decide when to begin or how to conduct resuscitation. Actions in the first minute are guided by the NRP algorithm (breathing, heart rate, tone), not the score.
- Continue scoring every 5 min up to 20 min if any 5-min or later score remains < 7.
Clinical decision support only. The APGAR score is a rapid assessment of the newborn's condition and response to resuscitation — it is not a diagnosis and does not predict long-term outcome. Follow the NRP 9th Edition algorithm and your institutional protocols. Designed and written by C. A. Leyva, MD — a certified neonatologist and NRP provider. PediaSuite is an independent study aid and is not affiliated with the AAP or AHA.
Reviewed by C. A. Leyva, MD, neonatologist · Last reviewed September 2026
References
- Apgar V. A proposal for a new method of evaluation of the newborn infant. Curr Res Anesth Analg. 1953;32(4):260–267. PMID: 13083014
- American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Fetus and Newborn; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Committee on Obstetric Practice. The Apgar Score. Pediatrics. 2015;136(4):819–822. doi:10.1542/peds.2015-2651
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