What is the primary purpose of the Apgar score?

The primary purpose of the Apgar score is to assess the health of a newborn immediately after birth. Developed by Dr. Virginia Apgar in 1952, this quick assessment tool evaluates five criteria: appearance (skin color), pulse (heart rate), grimace response (reflexes), activity (muscle tone), and respiration (breathing effort). Each criterion is scored from 0 to 2, leading to a maximum score of 10. The Apgar score helps healthcare providers quickly determine whether a newborn requires immediate medical intervention or monitoring, making it crucial for evaluating the infant's condition right after delivery.

While the Apgar score can inform decisions about resuscitation, its broader function is to give an overall indication of the newborn's immediate health status. It does not assess long-term physical development or monitor growth over time, which are separate evaluations not covered by the Apgar scoring system.