What does the Apgar test assess in newborns?

The Apgar test is specifically designed to quickly assess the physical health of newborns immediately after birth. It evaluates five criteria, which are crucial indicators of a newborn's overall condition. These criteria are Appearance (skin color), Pulse (heart rate), Grimace response (reflexes), Activity (muscle tone), and Respiration (breathing effort). Each of these aspects provides essential information about the infant's health and helps determine if any immediate medical intervention is necessary.

This test is typically conducted at one minute and again at five minutes after birth, scoring each criterion from 0 to 2. The total score helps healthcare providers gauge whether a newborn is in good shape or needs further evaluation. The other options do not align with the purpose of the Apgar test, as they either focus on unrelated aspects such as emotional, cognitive, or developmental attributes, or list physical attributes and functions that are not specifically measured by the Apgar criteria.