While changing a client’s dressing, the nurse notes thick yellow-green

While changing a client’s dressing, the nurse notes thick yellow-green drainage on the gauze. How should the nurse document this wound’s drainage?

1. Purulent
2. Serous
3. Sanguineous
4. Serosanguinous

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Purulent exudate is thick, and can vary in color, including green and yellow.
Rationale 2: Serous drainage appears watery.
Rationale 3: Sanguineous drainage is red because of the high number of red blood cells.
Rationale 4: Serosanguinous drainage is watery with red blood cells.