Which wound drainage is typically pale yellow and clear, indicating serous exudate?

• A. Purulent drainage
• B. Serous drainage
• C. Sanguineous drainage
• D. Clear watery drainage

Answer: (B)

Serous drainage is the thin, watery fluid that resembles serum. When this fluid appears pale yellow and clear, it indicates serous exudate, which comes from the leakage of plasma from capillaries during inflammation and early wound healing. It’s typically not associated with infection and suggests a normal healing process. Purulent drainage would be thick and opaque (pus), often with a foul odor and color; sanguineous drainage is red or bloody, reflecting fresh bleeding. Clear and watery by itself could be serous, but the pale yellow tint helps confirm serous exudate in this context.