Which of the following is a component of the Apgar score?

• A. Temperature
• B. Birth weight
• C. Pulse
• D. Eye color

Answer: (C)

Pulse is a key part of the Apgar scoring because the newborn’s heart rate directly reflects how well perfusion and oxygen delivery are functioning right after birth. The Apgar score quickly assesses five areas—Appearance (skin color), Pulse (heart rate), Grimace (reflex irritability), Activity (muscle tone), and Respiration (breathing effort)—with 0, 1, or 2 points for each, for a total up to 10. A healthy heart rate typically earns a higher score, indicating good circulation and oxygenation; a slow or absent pulse lowers the score and signals the need for resuscitation steps if needed. Temperature, birth weight, and eye color aren’t part of the Apgar assessment. Appearance uses skin color, not eye color, and neither temperature nor birth weight enters the scoring.