What type of drainage is expected after a surgical procedure?

• A. Serous
• B. Sanguineous
• C. Serosanguinous
• D. Purulent

Answer: (C)

After a surgical procedure, wound drainage reflects the early stages of healing. The expected type is serosanguinous—a thin fluid that is pale pink to light red, made up of serum mixed with a small amount of blood. This indicates normal capillary leakage and inflammatory activity as healing begins.

Understanding the other options helps see why this is correct: serous drainage is clear and watery, not pink-tinged; sanguineous drainage is mostly bright red blood, which can signal active bleeding if excessive; purulent drainage is thick, opaque, and often foul-smelling, suggesting infection. Serosanguinous drainage sits in the normal range for early post-op wounds, whereas the others point to different states of healing or complications. If drainage shifts toward heavy bleeding or purulence, that would warrant assessment.