What describes thin, watery drainage that is blood-tinged?

The correct answer is serosanguineous drainage, which is characterized by its thin, watery consistency and the presence of blood, giving it a pinkish hue. This type of drainage commonly occurs in wounds during the healing process and is typically seen in the inflammatory phase.

Serosanguineous fluid is the result of serum (the clear portion of blood) mixing with a small amount of red blood cells, which can happen when capillaries break and allow a slight amount of blood to leak into the surrounding tissue. This drainage indicates that the wound healing process is underway and can be a normal finding.

Other types of drainage, such as serous, sanguineous, and purulent, have distinct characteristics. Serous drainage is clear, straw-colored fluid without blood. Sanguineous drainage is bright red and primarily consists of red blood cells, indicating active bleeding. Purulent drainage is thick, opaque, and typically yellow, green, or brown, indicating infection. Understanding these differences helps healthcare practitioners assess wound conditions accurately.