What term describes sterile water or saline used to cleanse a wound or cavity?

• A. Irrigating solutions (Lavages)
• B. Gavage
• C. Lozenge
• D. Suppository

Answer: (A)

Cleansing wounds or body cavities with a sterile fluid is done with irrigating solutions, also known as lavages. These fluids are chosen specifically to flush out debris, bacteria, and necrotic tissue without introducing irritants. Sterile water or saline is used because it provides a gentle, isotonic medium that helps clean the area without harming cells. This is different from other terms: gavage is delivering a substance into the stomach through a tube; a lozenge is a dissolvable tablet for the mouth or throat; a suppository is a solid medication inserted into a body opening. Thus, the term for sterile water or saline used to cleanse a wound or cavity is irrigating solutions (lavages).