Word parts
What it means
A word for wound or drain fluid that is a mix of serous fluid (clear, thin, pale yellow) and a small amount of blood. Sanguineous drainage is mostly blood and bright red; serous drainage has no blood; purulent drainage is thick pus. A healing surgical wound often moves from sanguineous to serosanguineous to serous over the first days.
For the nurse
Chart the color, amount, odor and consistency of drainage. Report drainage that turns bright red or increases quickly, or that becomes thick, cloudy or foul-smelling.
In a chart
"Small amount of serosanguineous drainage on the abdominal dressing; no odor."
Related terms
purulent
Containing or made of pus: thick, cloudy fluid that may be yellow, green, tan or brown.