National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What conclusion can be drawn if a wound dressing shows purulent exudate of moderate amount with an odor?

1. Normal wound healing

2. Lack of blood flow

3. Compartment syndrome

4. Infection

The correct answer is: Infection

The presence of purulent exudate, especially when it is of a moderate amount and accompanied by an odor, strongly indicates that there is an infection in the wound. Purulent exudate is typically a sign of infection as it contains pus, which consists of dead white blood cells, bacteria, and tissue debris. When a wound exhibits these characteristics, it is a signal that the body's immune response is actively fighting off infection in the area. In contrast to normal wound healing, which would exhibit a serous or clear exudate without odor, the presence of purulent exudate signifies a pathological process. An absence of blood flow could lead to poor healing or necrosis but does not specifically produce purulent exudate with odor. Compartment syndrome is a condition caused by increased pressure within a muscle compartment and is unrelated to the nature of exudate or infections in wounds. Therefore, the conclusion that best fits the described scenario is that the wound is infected.