What is the purpose of paracentesis?

The purpose of paracentesis is to remove peritoneal fluid from the abdomen. This procedure is typically performed when there is an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, known as ascites, which can occur due to various conditions such as liver disease, cancer, or infection. By using a needle, a healthcare provider can access the peritoneal space and withdraw excess fluid, which not only relieves pressure and discomfort for the patient but also allows for analysis of the fluid to assist in diagnosis and treatment planning.

The other options refer to different medical procedures that are unrelated to paracentesis. Collecting blood samples from veins pertains to phlebotomy, injecting medication into a joint is known as an intra-articular injection, and monitoring liver function typically involves blood tests rather than a procedural intervention like paracentesis. Each of these serves distinct purposes in medical practice, but only paracentesis specifically addresses the removal of fluid from the abdominal cavity.