Lymphedema Self Test UPDATED ACTUAL
Exam Questions and CORRECT Answers
Lymphedema - CORRECT ANSWER - -swelling of a body part
-the result of the abnormal accumulation of protein rich edema fluid in interstitium which leads
to inflammation, which leads to reactive fibrosis
-immune dysfunction
-it's a mechanical insufficiency of the lymphatic system
CDT - CORRECT ANSWER - Complete Decongestive Therapy treatment for
Lymphedema
1) MLD
2) compression bandages and garments
3) remedial exercises
4) skin and nail care
5) self care education
Difference between primary and secondary lymphedema - CORRECT ANSWER -
primary is the result of lymphatic dysplasia and may present at birth, but more often develops
later in life, the cause is unknown and it is inherited; secondary usually develops after surgery,
radiation, trauma, and causes are usually known, can also be self induced, immobility, and cancer
What are lymphedema praecox and tarda - CORRECT ANSWER - Praecox is when
primary lymphedema presents before the age of 35, tarda is when it presents after the age of 35
Causes of secondary lymphedema - CORRECT ANSWER - 1. radiation *most common
2. surgery * most common (oncologic, coronary bypass, ortho procedures, liposuction,
lipectomy, etc)
3. trauma
4. filariasis
,5. cancer (malignant lymohedema)
6. infection
7. self induced (artificial or ficticious)
8. CVI
9. iatrogenic (physician induced)
10. obesity (dependency)
Treatments that exist for lymphedema (historical and gold standard) - CORRECT
ANSWER - Gold standard is CDT. 2 phase therapy (Intensive and Maintenance).
1) MLD
2) compression bandages and garments
3) remedial exercises
4) skin and nail care
5) self care education
Historical are:
1. limb elevation
2. drug therapy (diuretics, benzopyrones)
3. elastic compression garments
4. pneumatic compression pumps-
5. surgery (various types) ex Radical Charles Procedure (Reduction debulking procedure),
Staged Excision, Microsurgical Reconstructive Operations, Liposuction.
Cellulitis and Erysipelas - CORRECT ANSWER - Cellulitis = is an infection in or close to
the skin, it requires antibiotic treatment.
Erysipelas= is an infectious skin disease characterized by redness, swelling, vesicles, bullae,
fever, pain, and lymphadenopathy. It is caused by a species of group A, beta-hemolytic
streptococci. Treatment includes antibiotics, analgesics, and packs or dressings applied locally to
the lesions.
, Most common cause of lymphedema occurrence worldiwde - CORRECT ANSWER - an
infection known as filariasis which is caused by a mosquito borne parasite
Why is skincare so important for lymphedema patients - CORRECT ANSWER - to
prevent infection such as cellulitis,
List contraindications for MLD- (general and regarding neck treatment) - CORRECT
ANSWER - General:
1. Cardiac edema
2. acute infection such as strep and staph
3. renal failure
4. acute bronchitis
5. acute DVT
6. Malignancies - Pt does not have active POC yet
7. bronchial asthma
8. HTN
Regarding the Neck:
1. hypersensitive carotid sinus syndrome
2. hyperthyroidism
3. cardiac arrhythmia
4. > 60 yo may have increased risk atherosclerosis in the neck arteries
Regarding the abdomen:
1. pregnancy
2. Dysmenorrhea
3. Illeus
4. diverticulitis
5. Aortic Aneurysm
Exam Questions and CORRECT Answers
Lymphedema - CORRECT ANSWER - -swelling of a body part
-the result of the abnormal accumulation of protein rich edema fluid in interstitium which leads
to inflammation, which leads to reactive fibrosis
-immune dysfunction
-it's a mechanical insufficiency of the lymphatic system
CDT - CORRECT ANSWER - Complete Decongestive Therapy treatment for
Lymphedema
1) MLD
2) compression bandages and garments
3) remedial exercises
4) skin and nail care
5) self care education
Difference between primary and secondary lymphedema - CORRECT ANSWER -
primary is the result of lymphatic dysplasia and may present at birth, but more often develops
later in life, the cause is unknown and it is inherited; secondary usually develops after surgery,
radiation, trauma, and causes are usually known, can also be self induced, immobility, and cancer
What are lymphedema praecox and tarda - CORRECT ANSWER - Praecox is when
primary lymphedema presents before the age of 35, tarda is when it presents after the age of 35
Causes of secondary lymphedema - CORRECT ANSWER - 1. radiation *most common
2. surgery * most common (oncologic, coronary bypass, ortho procedures, liposuction,
lipectomy, etc)
3. trauma
4. filariasis
,5. cancer (malignant lymohedema)
6. infection
7. self induced (artificial or ficticious)
8. CVI
9. iatrogenic (physician induced)
10. obesity (dependency)
Treatments that exist for lymphedema (historical and gold standard) - CORRECT
ANSWER - Gold standard is CDT. 2 phase therapy (Intensive and Maintenance).
1) MLD
2) compression bandages and garments
3) remedial exercises
4) skin and nail care
5) self care education
Historical are:
1. limb elevation
2. drug therapy (diuretics, benzopyrones)
3. elastic compression garments
4. pneumatic compression pumps-
5. surgery (various types) ex Radical Charles Procedure (Reduction debulking procedure),
Staged Excision, Microsurgical Reconstructive Operations, Liposuction.
Cellulitis and Erysipelas - CORRECT ANSWER - Cellulitis = is an infection in or close to
the skin, it requires antibiotic treatment.
Erysipelas= is an infectious skin disease characterized by redness, swelling, vesicles, bullae,
fever, pain, and lymphadenopathy. It is caused by a species of group A, beta-hemolytic
streptococci. Treatment includes antibiotics, analgesics, and packs or dressings applied locally to
the lesions.
, Most common cause of lymphedema occurrence worldiwde - CORRECT ANSWER - an
infection known as filariasis which is caused by a mosquito borne parasite
Why is skincare so important for lymphedema patients - CORRECT ANSWER - to
prevent infection such as cellulitis,
List contraindications for MLD- (general and regarding neck treatment) - CORRECT
ANSWER - General:
1. Cardiac edema
2. acute infection such as strep and staph
3. renal failure
4. acute bronchitis
5. acute DVT
6. Malignancies - Pt does not have active POC yet
7. bronchial asthma
8. HTN
Regarding the Neck:
1. hypersensitive carotid sinus syndrome
2. hyperthyroidism
3. cardiac arrhythmia
4. > 60 yo may have increased risk atherosclerosis in the neck arteries
Regarding the abdomen:
1. pregnancy
2. Dysmenorrhea
3. Illeus
4. diverticulitis
5. Aortic Aneurysm
