What term is used to describe soot found in a patient's sputum?

The term used to describe soot found in a patient's sputum is "carbonaceous sputum." This term specifically refers to the presence of carbon particles, often seen in individuals who have been exposed to smoke or fire, typically indicating inhalation injuries caused by thermal or chemical burns. Carbonaceous sputum can signal potential respiratory compromise or injury, necessitating prompt assessment and appropriate management of the patient.

The other terms provided refer to different respiratory conditions. Pneumonic effusion pertains to the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space due to infection, which is unrelated to soot or carbon. Bronchial debris generally describes the presence of extraneous particles or tissues in the bronchial passages, but it does not specifically highlight the carbon aspect. Infected mucus refers to mucus that is infected, possibly due to bacteria or viruses, without any direct reference to the soot found in the sputum. Thus, the term "carbonaceous sputum" is the most accurate descriptor for soot in sputum related to burn injury situations.