Word parts
What it means
Wound drainage. Nurses describe it by type: serous (clear, watery, pale yellow), sanguineous (bright red, bloody), serosanguineous (pink, thin, a mix of the two) and purulent (thick, cloudy, yellow, green or tan pus). Some exudate is part of normal healing; a change in amount, color or smell can mean infection.
For the nurse
Record the amount, color, consistency and odor of wound drainage at each dressing change, and report purulent or foul-smelling drainage or a sudden increase.
In a chart
"Moderate serosanguineous drainage on dressing; no odor; wound edges approximated."
At a glance
| Spanish | exudado |
|---|---|
| Also written | exudates |
Related terms
debridement
The removal of dead, damaged or infected tissue from a wound so it can heal.
inflammatory response
The body's protective reaction to injury or infection, which brings blood, fluid and white cells to the area.
wound healing
The body's process of repairing damaged skin and tissue.
drain
A tube or device placed in a wound or body cavity to remove fluid, blood or air.