What is classified as a bad Apgar score?

A bad Apgar score is classified as one that reflects a serious need for medical assistance in a newborn immediately after birth. A score in the range of 0-3 indicates severe distress and typically requires resuscitation efforts, as it suggests that the infant is not transitioning well to life outside the womb. This low score is a sign of critical physiological problems such as inadequate breathing, poor heart rate, and lack of responsiveness.

Scores that fall between 4-6 also indicate a need for some medical intervention and close monitoring, but they are not as dire as the scores in the 0-3 range. On the other hand, a score of 7-10 is considered normal, indicating that the newborn is adjusting well and does not require immediate medical intervention. Therefore, the correct classification of a bad Apgar score is indeed 0-3, as this range highlights significant concerns that necessitate urgent care.