National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

Which of the following symptoms would indicate an infection in a wound assessment?

1. Clear exudate with no odor

2. Fibrous granulation tissue present

3. Purulent exudate with an odor

4. Dry and intact skin

The correct answer is: Purulent exudate with an odor

The presence of purulent exudate with an odor is a clear indicator of infection in a wound assessment. Purulent exudate is characterized by a thick, opaque drainage that often varies in color, commonly appearing yellow, green, or brown, and usually indicates that there is a significant amount of pus due to the presence of bacteria. The odor associated with purulent exudate can often be foul and is a strong sign of pathogenic bacterial activity within the wound. This is a critical finding in wound care assessments, as it necessitates immediate evaluation and potentially aggressive treatment to prevent the infection from worsening and to promote proper healing. On the other hand, clear exudate with no odor indicates a normal healing process without signs of infection, while fibrous granulation tissue suggests that the wound is healing but doesn’t necessarily point to infection. Additionally, dry and intact skin signifies that there is no wound and, consequently, no signs of infection present. Recognizing these differences is crucial for effective wound management and ensuring appropriate interventions are applied when an infection is identified.