What type of drainage is typical in a wound infected with bacteria?

Purulent drainage is characterized by the presence of pus, which is typically a thick, yellow, green, or brown fluid. This type of drainage is a hallmark of bacterial infection in a wound, indicating an inflammatory response due to the presence of pathogens. The pus consists of dead white blood cells, bacteria, and tissue debris, signifying that the body is actively fighting the infection.

The presence of purulent drainage often suggests a more severe infection and requires careful assessment and management to prevent further complications. This type of drainage can also be accompanied by other signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, pain, and swelling around the wound area.

In contrast, serous drainage is clear and thin and indicates a normal healing process, while serosanguineous drainage contains a mix of serum and blood, typically seen in lesser amounts during the healing stage. Sanguineous drainage reflects fresh bleeding and is not typically associated with infection. Hence, purulent drainage is the clear indicator of an infected wound, making it the correct answer to understand in this context.