When documenting serous discharge from an abdominal dressing, how should the nurse describe this drainage?

When documenting serous discharge from an abdominal dressing, how should the nurse describe this drainage?

• A. Thick, yellow, and foul-smelling
• B. Clear, watery, yellow-tinged drainage
• C. Fresh red bleeding
• D. Brown, dark, and foul-smelling

Answer: (B)

The decision to describe the serous discharge as "clear, watery, yellow-tinged drainage" is correct because serous fluid typically refers to a clear or slightly yellowish, watery exudate. This fluid is often seen in the early stages of healing and may contain some white blood cells, which can give it a slightly yellow color. In contrast, thick, yellow, and foul-smelling drainage suggests the presence of an infection or pus (which would be more purulent rather than serous). Fresh red bleeding indicates active hemorrhage rather than serous discharge, while brown, dark, and foul-smelling drainage often suggests necrotic tissue or older blood, which is not characteristic of serous fluid. Therefore, the appropriate documentation of serous drainage accurately reflects its typical appearance and helps in monitoring the patient's healing process.

The decision to describe the serous discharge as "clear, watery, yellow-tinged drainage" is correct because serous fluid typically refers to a clear or slightly yellowish, watery exudate. This fluid is often seen in the early stages of healing and may contain some white blood cells, which can give it a slightly yellow color.

In contrast, thick, yellow, and foul-smelling drainage suggests the presence of an infection or pus (which would be more purulent rather than serous). Fresh red bleeding indicates active hemorrhage rather than serous discharge, while brown, dark, and foul-smelling drainage often suggests necrotic tissue or older blood, which is not characteristic of serous fluid. Therefore, the appropriate documentation of serous drainage accurately reflects its typical appearance and helps in monitoring the patient's healing process.