Which factor is scored alongside heart rate when calculating an Apgar score?

In calculating the Apgar score, muscle tone is a crucial factor that is assessed alongside the heart rate. The Apgar score is an evaluation tool used to quickly determine a newborn's physical condition immediately after birth. It consists of five criteria: heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, color, and reflex response, with each factor receiving a score between 0 and 2.

Muscle tone is an important indicator of the newborn's neurological function and overall health. A well-flexed posture signals good muscle tone, which is vital for indicating that the infant's nervous system is functioning adequately. The scoring for muscle tone reflects the degree of flexibility or rigidity the baby demonstrates: a score of 2 is given for active motion and flexion of the limbs, while lower scores indicate either less movement or a limp, floppy posture.

Other factors such as respiratory effort, color, and reflex response are also essential components of the Apgar score but are scored independently based on their specific criteria. While all these elements contribute significantly to the overall health assessment of the newborn, muscle tone specifically complements heart rate as part of the evaluation of the infant's physical condition at birth.