APGAR scoring is performed at which times after birth and continues until the score exceeds 7?

• A. Only at 1 minute
• B. Every minute for 20 minutes
• C. At 10 and 15 minutes only
• D. At 1 and 5 minutes, and then every 5 minutes until the score is greater than 7

Answer: (D)

Timing of APGAR scoring and ongoing monitoring focuses on quick, repeated assessment of how well a newborn has adapted after birth. The first score is done at one minute to capture the initial condition right after birth. A second score at five minutes shows how the baby has responded to any immediate interventions. If the score remains below seven, further assessments are performed every five minutes for up to twenty minutes, or until the score exceeds seven, to decide if additional resuscitation is needed. This pattern—1 minute, then 5 minutes, then every 5 minutes until the score is above 7—matches standard practice, which is why it’s the best answer. Other timing patterns omit critical early assessments or add extraneous ones that don’t align with how APGAR monitoring is used.