What does "to flush" mean in a medical context?

In a medical context, "to flush" refers specifically to the action of cleansing or washing out a body part with running water or a similar fluid. This process is often employed to remove debris, foreign materials, or harmful substances from an area, such as during the treatment of wounds or eye irrigation. Flushing can be crucial in ensuring that infections are minimized and that healing can proceed without complications.

The other options relate to different medical treatments but do not match the specific definition of "to flush." For instance, bandaging a wound is about covering and protecting it, while applying a hot compress is used for pain relief or to improve circulation in a localized area. Compressing a bleeding area is a method to control blood loss but does not involve the cleansing action implied by flushing. Thus, the answer that correctly identifies the meaning of "to flush" in this context is indeed the cleansing action associated with running water.