Which item is NOT part of the Apgar scoring system?

Which item is NOT part of the Apgar scoring system?

• A. Heart rate
• B. Respiratory effort
• C. Reflex irritability
• D. Blood pressure

Answer: (D)

The Apgar score quickly assesses how well a newborn is adapting right after birth by looking at five observable domains: heart rate, respiratory effort, reflex irritability, skin color, and muscle tone. Each domain is scored 0–2, and the total helps gauge the infant’s immediate condition. Blood pressure isn’t one of these domains, so it does not contribute to the Apgar score. The rest—heart rate, breathing, reflex response, color, and activity—are the factors used to determine the newborn’s immediate adaptation, not blood pressure.