Thoracentesis is defined as which?

• A. Surgical puncture to remove fluid from the pleural space
• B. Blood draw from the arm
• C. Chest X-ray
• D. Pacemaker insertion

Answer: (A)

Thoracentesis is the procedure where a needle or catheter is placed through the chest wall into the pleural space to remove fluid. This is done to relieve symptoms from pleural effusion and to analyze the fluid for infections, malignancy, or other conditions. The description matches because it specifically involves a puncture to remove fluid from the pleural space. The other options describe a blood draw from the arm, a chest X-ray, and inserting a pacemaker—none of which involve removing pleural fluid.