Which term describes something containing pus?

Which term describes something containing pus?

• A. Purulent
• B. Serous
• C. Hemorrhagic
• D. Sanguineous

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is exudate terminology—specifically, what term describes material that contains pus. Purulent describes pus-containing material. Pus is a thick, opaque exudate rich in dead neutrophils, bacteria, and cellular debris, usually produced during bacterial infections. So when you see something described as purulent, you’re looking at a pus-filled discharge or tissue. The other terms refer to different kinds of exudate: serous is clear, watery fluid from mild inflammation; hemorrhagic or sanguineous indicates blood in the discharge or tissue. They don’t denote pus, hence they’re not the correct choice.

The main idea here is exudate terminology—specifically, what term describes material that contains pus. Purulent describes pus-containing material. Pus is a thick, opaque exudate rich in dead neutrophils, bacteria, and cellular debris, usually produced during bacterial infections. So when you see something described as purulent, you’re looking at a pus-filled discharge or tissue.

The other terms refer to different kinds of exudate: serous is clear, watery fluid from mild inflammation; hemorrhagic or sanguineous indicates blood in the discharge or tissue. They don’t denote pus, hence they’re not the correct choice.