RN Exam Practice
Physiological AdaptationQuestion 2299 of 2368

At a dressing change, the nurse sees a small amount of clear, thin, watery drainage on a healing incision. How should the nurse interpret this finding?

  1. It is purulent drainage that needs a wound culture
  2. It is sanguineous drainage showing fresh bleeding
  3. It is serosanguineous drainage that must be reported
  4. It is normal serous drainage during the inflammatory stage
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Correct answer: It is normal serous drainage during the inflammatory stage

Serous drainage is clear, thin and watery. Small amounts are normal wound drainage.

Source: Nursing Fundamentals, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2024), Integumentary: Objective Assessment. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026