What is an inappropriate action when documenting wound drainage?

Using ambiguous terms during documentation is inappropriate because clarity and accuracy are critical in medical records. Documentation should provide clear, specific descriptions to ensure that all members of the healthcare team understand the patient's condition and treatment needs. Ambiguous language can lead to misinterpretation, potentially impacting patient care and outcomes.

For example, describing drainage as "a lot" or "some" does not give a precise measurement, which could be crucial for assessing the progress of healing or detecting complications. In contrast, explicitly noting the amount of drainage (e.g., "30 mL"), describing the quality (e.g., "serous," "purulent"), and indicating the status of the dressing (e.g., "clean and dry," "saturated") all contribute to clear, objective, and useful documentation. These practices ensure that any healthcare provider reviewing the notes can understand the situation, make informed decisions, and provide appropriate care based on the documented findings.