Which sign in wound drainage most suggests infection?

• A. Clear drainage
• B. Foul odor
• C. Absence of drainage
• D. Minimal drainage

Answer: (B)

Wound infection is most often signaled by drainage that has a foul odor. This odor reflects bacterial activity producing volatile compounds, which is more specific for infection than the other drainage patterns. Clear drainage is typically normal and seen in healing wounds, absence of drainage doesn’t indicate infection on its own, and minimal drainage can occur in non-infected, healing wounds. If foul odor accompanies other clues like increased warmth, redness, or purulent drainage, it strongly suggests an infectious process.