Dealing with drainage: the what, why, and how of wound exudate.

Managing exudate is a critical factor in reaching successful outcomes. Accurately assessing the quantity and quality of exudate is essential to a comprehensive assessment and the development of an initial plan of care. Likewise, skilled care is required to accurately determine healing progression and modifications to the care plan. This article provides the scientific rationale and tips for practice to update clinicians on this important competency.