When changing the dressing on the patient’s right arm, you see that the dressing has a moist yellow-red stain on it. How would you document this drainage?
A.
Sanguineous
B.
Serous
C.
Serosanguineous
D.
Purulent
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C. Serosanguineous.
Explanation:
When documenting drainage from a wound, it’s crucial to use the correct terminology to describe its appearance, color, and consistency. The term serosanguineous refers to a type of wound drainage that contains both serous fluid (clear or pale yellow) and sanguineous fluid (blood). This type of drainage typically appears pink or light red because it is a mix of blood and serous fluid. The yellow-red stain you observe on the dressing indicates that the drainage is composed of both blood and serous fluid, fitting the description of serosanguineous.
To understand this better, let’s break down the different types of drainage:
- Sanguineous drainage is primarily blood and appears bright red. It is usually seen during the early stages of wound healing or when there is active bleeding. This type of drainage is not what you are seeing because the stain is a mixture of yellow and red, indicating something less purely blood-related.
- Serous drainage is mostly clear or pale yellow, resembling the fluid found in blisters. It contains serum, which is the fluid portion of blood without the red blood cells. If the drainage were solely serous, the dressing would appear clear or pale yellow, not red-tinged.
- Serosanguineous drainage, as mentioned, is a combination of serous fluid and blood, making it pink or yellow-red in appearance. This type of drainage is common in wounds healing by primary or secondary intention and can be seen during the later stages of the inflammatory phase of healing.
- Purulent drainage indicates an infection and is typically thick, cloudy, and yellow, green, or brown. It often has a foul odor and is composed of dead cells, bacteria, and white blood cells. The yellow-red stain described in the question does not fit this description, as there is no mention of thickness or odor.
Therefore, the yellow-red appearance of the dressing suggests serosanguineous drainage, a sign of normal wound healing. Documenting this accurately is important for monitoring the progress of the wound and ensuring appropriate interventions are applied when necessary.