Final answer:
Foul-smelling drainage that is grayish in color should alert a nurse to the possibility of infection, indicative of potentially harmful bacteria. Drainage such as sanguineous, serous, or serosanguineous may point to other conditions, while purulent drainage commonly signifies an infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the types of wound drainage that could alert a nurse to the possibility of infection, foul-smelling drainage that is grayish in color is particularly concerning. This type of drainage can indicate that not only is there an infection, but also that the bacteria present could potentially be aggressive and harmful. For instance, infections like necrotizing fasciitis can have rapid progression and produce foul-smelling drainage, which requires prompt medical attention and treatment. Similarly, a wound infection caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus can be serious if not treated with the right antibiotics.
In contrast, drainage that appears to be mostly fresh blood (known as sanguineous drainage) or large amounts of drainage that is clear and watery (serous drainage) typically indicate other conditions. Copious wound drainage that is blood-tinged (serosanguineous drainage) may be normal in some stages of healing. However, a purulent wound—oozing pus, which is often thick, opaque, and colored (yellow, green, or gray)—usually signifies infection. In medical diagnosis, various tests such as Gram stain, anaerobic cultivation, and urine cultures can be used to detect and identify the type of bacteria causing the infection.