What is one of the indicators of abnormal findings in the Apgar score at five minutes?

A score of 0-3 at five minutes on the Apgar score is indicative of a need for immediate medical intervention and suggests that the newborn is experiencing significant distress. The Apgar score is a quick assessment tool used to evaluate a baby’s physical condition at one minute and five minutes after birth, focusing on five criteria: appearance, pulse, grimace response, activity, and respiration. Each criterion is scored from 0 to 2, leading to a total score that can range from 0 to 10.

A score in the range of 0-3 suggests that the baby may be struggling with critical issues such as respiratory distress, poor muscle tone, and inadequate heart rate. This low score signals the healthcare team to initiate resuscitation efforts and provide immediate support for the newborn's physiological needs. It highlights the importance of monitoring newborns closely during the early minutes of life to identify those who are at risk of serious complications.

Higher scores, such as 4-6, may indicate a moderate degree of difficulty but often allow for time and observation before intervention, while a perfect score of 10 reflects an optimal condition with no issues present at birth. Thus, the distinguishing nature of a score of 0-3 serves as a