In a patient with a newly placed gastrostomy or jejunostomy tube, which exit-site finding signals concern for infection?

• A. Serosanguineous drainage
• B. Foul-smelling drainage
• C. Coffee-ground drainage
• D. Vile-colored drainage

Answer: (B)

Foul-smelling drainage signals infection because odor usually accompanies purulent exudate from bacterial growth at the exit site. This odor reflects anaerobic activity and means the stoma is likely infected or colonized, especially when seen with surrounding redness, warmth, tenderness, or increasing drainage. Serosanguineous drainage can be normal early after tube placement and isn’t by itself infection. Coffee-ground drainage implies old blood rather than infection, and vague descriptors like vile-colored drainage don’t align with typical infection indicators. So, the presence of foul-smelling drainage is the key clue that infection may be occurring and warrants prompt assessment and exit-site care.