What does it mean to aspirate in a medical context?

• A. To insert an instrument into the body
• B. To draw by suction
• C. To clean an area of infection
• D. To apply pressure to a wound

Answer: (B)

In a medical context, to aspirate means to draw bodily fluids or gases from a particular area through suction. This procedure is often performed to remove excess fluid, such as in cases of pleural effusion where fluid accumulates in the pleural cavity, or to extract samples for diagnostic purposes, such as obtaining a sample from a cyst or tumor. The use of suction is crucial in this context, as it allows for effective removal of substances without the need for invasive surgical procedures.

The focus on suction sets this term apart from other medical actions, as inserting an instrument or applying pressure refers to different techniques used in clinical practice that do not specifically involve fluid extraction. Similarly, cleaning an area of infection addresses infection control rather than fluid removal. Thus, understanding aspirating as a process specifically related to suction emphasizes its role in both diagnostic and therapeutic operations within the medical field.