Question

A nurse is changing the dressings for a client who is 3 days postoperative following a cholecystectomy. The nurse observes yellow, thick drainage on the dressing. The nurse should document this finding as which of the following types of drainage?

a. Serous drainage
b. Sanguineous drainage
c. Purulent drainage
d. Fibrinous drainage

Answer 1

The nurse should document the finding as purulent drainage, which is thick, yellow, or greenish in color and often a sign of infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should document this finding as purulent drainage. Purulent drainage is thick, yellow, or greenish in color and is often a sign of infection. In the case of a client who is postoperative, purulent drainage on the dressing may indicate that there is an infection at the surgical site. It is important for the nurse to document this finding so that appropriate interventions can be implemented.