Exudate

Definition

Exudate is fluid (serum, pus, cells) that leaks from blood vessels into surrounding tissues, body cavities, or onto a wound surface due to inflammation or infection.

Types of Wound Drainage

• Serous: Clear, watery. Normal in early healing.
• Sanguineous: Bloody (fresh wounds).
• Serosanguineous: Pink/red-tinged. Common post-op.
• Purulent: Thick, yellow/green/brown. INFECTION.
• Seropurulent: Combination of serous and purulent.

Assessment

Document color, amount (scant, small, moderate, large), consistency, and odor. Mark and measure wound dimensions, increasing or changing drainage may indicate infection or dehiscence.

Nursing Interventions

Perform dressing changes with sterile technique, use appropriate dressings (alginate or hydrofiber for heavy exudate; hydrogel or hydrocolloid for minimal), document at every change, notify provider of purulent drainage or marked increase.

NCLEX Relevance

Purulent drainage = infection. Serosanguineous is normal in early wound healing.