What is the APGAR score for a newborn with blue extremities, a pink trunk, a heart rate of 108, weak cry, grimaces when suctioned, and limited extremity movement?

The APGAR scoring system is an assessment tool used to evaluate a newborn's health immediately after birth. It evaluates five criteria: Appearance (skin color), Pulse (heart rate), Grimace response (reflexes), Activity (muscle tone), and Respiration (breathing effort). Each category is scored from 0 to 2, and the total score ranges from 0 to 10.

In this scenario:

• Appearance: The newborn has blue extremities and a pink trunk, indicating a score of 1 for the trunk being pink (normal) but blue extremities (which usually score 0 for being completely blue). This would typically be scored as 1.

• Pulse: A heart rate of 108 beats per minute earns a score of 2, as a normal heart rate over 100 is considered healthy.

• Grimace response: Grimacing when suctioned indicates some reflexive response, scoring 1 point.

• Activity: Limited extremity movement suggests reduced muscle tone, scoring 1 point.

• Respiration: A weak cry indicates that the newborn is breathing but not vigorously, typically earning a score of 1.

Adding these scores together:

• Appearance: 1

• Pulse: 2

• Grim