Question

While changing a patient's dressing, the nurse notes thick yellow-green drainage on the gauze. How should the nurse document this wounds drainage?

1) Purulent
2) Serous
3) Serosanguinous
4) Necrotic

Answer 1

The nurse should document the thick yellow-green drainage on the gauze as purulent drainage, which is indicative of an infection and may require further treatment such as antibiotics. Option 1.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the nurse observes thick yellow-green drainage on the gauze while changing a patient's dressing, it should be documented as purulent drainage option 1. This type of drainage is indicative of an infection and is often characterized by its yellow, green, or brown color and viscous consistency, suggesting the presence of pus. Notably, the presence of purulent drainage does correlate with bacterial infections, potentially requiring further clinical interventions such as a wound culture and antibiotic treatment.