Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification 2025 Practice Exam – The All-in-One Guide for Guaranteed Success!

The term that describes a localized elevation containing purulent fluid and potentially indicating an infection is an abscess. An abscess forms as a result of the body’s immune response to infections, where pus accumulates within a tissue. It is often painful, warm to the touch, and may show signs of skin overlying the area becoming red. Abscesses can develop in various areas of the body and may require drainage to promote healing and reduce the risk of further complications.

In contrast, a cyst is a closed sac with a distinct membrane that can contain fluid, semi-solid material, or gas, but it is generally not associated with infection. A bulla refers to a large blister filled with clear fluid, while a wheal is a raised, itchy area of skin that is often a result of an allergic reaction and usually contains clear fluid rather than pus. Each of these terms has specific characteristics and implications for diagnosis and treatment, distinguishing them from the purulent nature of an abscess.