What describes the procedure of pleurodesis in terms of lung treatment?

Pleurodesis is a medical procedure aimed at treating conditions like pleural effusion or pneumothorax, where there is an abnormal accumulation of fluid or air in the pleural space surrounding the lungs. The primary goal of pleurodesis is to bind or adhere the lung to the chest wall, which helps to prevent the re-accumulation of fluid or air in the pleural cavity. This is achieved by introducing a sclerosing agent into the pleural space, causing irritation and subsequent scarring, which effectively fuses the pleura to the underlying chest wall.

The other procedures mentioned are important in lung care, but they do not align with the specific aim of pleurodesis. Testing pulmonary function involves assessing the lungs' ability to move air in and out, and examining the airways focuses on diagnosing obstructions or other abnormalities in the bronchial tubes. Measuring blood oxygen levels pertains to evaluating respiratory efficiency but does not address the structural aspects of lung treatment that pleurodesis targets. Thus, the definition that encompasses the action and purpose of pleurodesis is the one that describes binding the lung to the chest wall.