The Alvarado score is used to predict the likelihood of acute appendicitis. A patient has: migratory right iliac fossa pain, anorexia, nausea/vomiting, RIF tenderness, rebound tenderness, elevated temperature (38.2°C), leukocytosis (14,000), and left shift (band forms). What is the Alvarado score?
- A 7
- B 10 ✓
- C 8
- D 9
Correct answer: B. 10
Explanation
The Alvarado (MANTRELS) score assigns: migratory RIF pain = 1, anorexia = 1, nausea/vomiting = 1, RIF tenderness = 2, rebound tenderness = 1, elevated temperature = 1, leukocytosis = 2, left shift = 1; maximum = 10. This patient demonstrates all eight scoring components: 1+1+1+2+1+1+2+1 = 10. A score of 7–10 is considered high probability for appendicitis and generally warrants surgical management. Scores ≤4 suggest appendicitis is unlikely.
Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.