NPTE – Lymphedema UPDATED ACTUAL
Exam Questions and CORRECT Answers
Primary functions of the lymphatic system - CORRECT ANSWER - Collect and transport
fluid not absorbed by the venous system
Maintenance of fluid balance within the body
Immune system defense
Components of lymph - CORRECT ANSWER - Water
Proteins
Fatty Acids
Cellular Components
Where are lymph vessels located? - CORRECT ANSWER - Anywhere that a blood supply
exists, except for the brain and spinal cord
What percentage of the interstitial fluid resides in the venous system? Lymphatic system? -
CORRECT ANSWER - 80 - 90% in the venous system
10-20% in the lymphatic system
Path of lymph from the interstitial fluid - CORRECT ANSWER - Interstitial →
Lymph capillary →
Lymph vessel →
Lymph collector →
Lymphatic trunks (R lymphatic duct, thoracic duct) →
Subclavian veins
, Primary vs. Secondary Lymphedema - CORRECT ANSWER - Primary occurs due to an
abnormal development of the lymphatic system (absence of lymph vessels, decrease in the
number of lymph vessels)
Secondary occurs as the result of some other disease or injury (trauma, surgery, radiation, tumor
growth, multiparity, infection)
3 Types of Insufficiencies that Lead to Lymphedema - CORRECT ANSWER - 1) Dynamic
(excess lymph in the lymphatic system that exceeds transportation capacity, results in pitting
edema).
2) Mechanical (transport capacity is reduced secondary to damage resulting in more protein rich
lymphedema)
3) Combined (increase in lymph fluid AND decrease in transport capacity)
Direct Lymphography - CORRECT ANSWER - Injection contrast into lymph vessel and
then visualize lymph system under radiography
*not commonly used due to complications caused by contrast medium
Indirect Lymphography - CORRECT ANSWER - Injection of a water-soluble contrast
medium just under the skin to see more superficial lymph vessels
Lymphoscintigraphy - CORRECT ANSWER - Injection of radioactive material that allows
for visualization of the lymphatic system with nuclear imaging and see how lymph is being
transported through the system
*fewer complications than lymphography
Classification of Lymphedema Based on Circumference - CORRECT ANSWER - Mild:
<3 cm difference between limbs
Exam Questions and CORRECT Answers
Primary functions of the lymphatic system - CORRECT ANSWER - Collect and transport
fluid not absorbed by the venous system
Maintenance of fluid balance within the body
Immune system defense
Components of lymph - CORRECT ANSWER - Water
Proteins
Fatty Acids
Cellular Components
Where are lymph vessels located? - CORRECT ANSWER - Anywhere that a blood supply
exists, except for the brain and spinal cord
What percentage of the interstitial fluid resides in the venous system? Lymphatic system? -
CORRECT ANSWER - 80 - 90% in the venous system
10-20% in the lymphatic system
Path of lymph from the interstitial fluid - CORRECT ANSWER - Interstitial →
Lymph capillary →
Lymph vessel →
Lymph collector →
Lymphatic trunks (R lymphatic duct, thoracic duct) →
Subclavian veins
, Primary vs. Secondary Lymphedema - CORRECT ANSWER - Primary occurs due to an
abnormal development of the lymphatic system (absence of lymph vessels, decrease in the
number of lymph vessels)
Secondary occurs as the result of some other disease or injury (trauma, surgery, radiation, tumor
growth, multiparity, infection)
3 Types of Insufficiencies that Lead to Lymphedema - CORRECT ANSWER - 1) Dynamic
(excess lymph in the lymphatic system that exceeds transportation capacity, results in pitting
edema).
2) Mechanical (transport capacity is reduced secondary to damage resulting in more protein rich
lymphedema)
3) Combined (increase in lymph fluid AND decrease in transport capacity)
Direct Lymphography - CORRECT ANSWER - Injection contrast into lymph vessel and
then visualize lymph system under radiography
*not commonly used due to complications caused by contrast medium
Indirect Lymphography - CORRECT ANSWER - Injection of a water-soluble contrast
medium just under the skin to see more superficial lymph vessels
Lymphoscintigraphy - CORRECT ANSWER - Injection of radioactive material that allows
for visualization of the lymphatic system with nuclear imaging and see how lymph is being
transported through the system
*fewer complications than lymphography
Classification of Lymphedema Based on Circumference - CORRECT ANSWER - Mild:
<3 cm difference between limbs
