Which description corresponds to sanguineous drainage?

• A. Clear, watery plasma
• B. Bright red, active bleeding
• C. Thick and yellow, green, tan, or brown
• D. Pale pink, watery mixture of clear and red fluid

Answer: (B)

Sanguineous drainage is blood-containing drainage. It shows up as bright red, indicating fresh blood from active bleeding or from recently damaged vessels. This distinguishes it from other types: serous drainage is clear and watery plasma, purulent drainage is thick and yellow to green or brown due to pus and infection, and serosanguineous drainage is a pale pink, watery mix of clear fluid and blood.