Final answer:
The color of cerebrospinal fluid that indicates a subarachnoid hemorrhage is yellow (option 2). This condition, known as xanthochromia, is due to the presence of bilirubin from the breakdown of red blood cells in the CSF.
Step-by-step explanation:
The color of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that may indicate a subarachnoid hemorrhage in a client is yellow. CSF is normally colorless and any deviation from this can indicate pathology. A subarachnoid hemorrhage often results in a yellow discoloration of the CSF, which is referred to as xanthochromia. This discoloration occurs due to the breakdown of red blood cells in the CSF and the release of bilirubin, which takes on a yellow pigment.
During a lumbar puncture, a sample of CSF is taken from the spinal canal to be examined. Normally, the fluid is clear, watery, and has low viscosity with a specific gravity of 1.003 to 1.008. If the sample appears yellow, it would raise a strong suspicion of subarachnoid hemorrhage, and further tests would be conducted to confirm the diagnosis, such as scans and assessments for the presence of other signs of bleeding or related conditions.