Which diagnostic method is used to collect abdominal fluid by inserting a needle through the abdominal wall?

Which diagnostic method is used to collect abdominal fluid by inserting a needle through the abdominal wall?

• A. Abdominocentesis
• B. Exploratory laparotomy
• C. Endoscopy
• D. Orogastric intubation

Answer: (A)

The key idea is sampling peritoneal fluid by passing a needle through the abdominal wall, which is abdominocentesis. This minimally invasive procedure is used to evaluate abdominal effusion—examining the appearance, protein level, and cell count of the fluid, and obtaining samples for cytology or culture to help distinguish septic from non-septic processes or other causes of abdominal pain. It’s preferred when you need diagnostic information quickly without opening the abdomen. The other methods serve different purposes: exploratory laparoscopy or laparotomy involves direct visualization or opening the abdomen; endoscopy examines the lumen of a hollow organ with a scope; and orogastric intubation places a tube into the stomach, not sampling the peritoneal cavity.

The key idea is sampling peritoneal fluid by passing a needle through the abdominal wall, which is abdominocentesis. This minimally invasive procedure is used to evaluate abdominal effusion—examining the appearance, protein level, and cell count of the fluid, and obtaining samples for cytology or culture to help distinguish septic from non-septic processes or other causes of abdominal pain. It’s preferred when you need diagnostic information quickly without opening the abdomen. The other methods serve different purposes: exploratory laparoscopy or laparotomy involves direct visualization or opening the abdomen; endoscopy examines the lumen of a hollow organ with a scope; and orogastric intubation places a tube into the stomach, not sampling the peritoneal cavity.