Lymphedema Exam and Diagnosis
UPDATED ACTUAL Exam Questions and
CORRECT Answers
It is not uncommon for what portion of examination to give more information that physical
exam? - CORRECT ANSWER - patient history!!
How does lymphedema develop? (speed, location, sx) - CORRECT ANSWER - slowly
distal to proximal
not typically painful
If there is a quick decline in patient status, what is the most appropriate action? - CORRECT
ANSWER - refer to ED, especially if patient is unwell and limb is warm
What can be recognized through palpation in exam? - CORRECT ANSWER - temperature
differences
pitting edema
fibrosis of tissue
moist/dry skin
If limb is moist but not leaking, it could be ____ - CORRECT ANSWER - healthy
If a limb is found to be dry, it could be ___ - CORRECT ANSWER - very unhealthy
What are common differential diagnoses when trying to identify lymphedema? - CORRECT
ANSWER - acute DVT
cardiac edema/CHF
renal failure
malignancy
, infection
RSD
What are the characteristics for a DVT? - CORRECT ANSWER - sudden onset
unilateral
pain
cyanosis/rubor, heat
positive Homan's
What are characteristics of CHF/cardiac edema? - CORRECT ANSWER - greatest in
feet/ankles
always bilateral
pitting
near complete resolution with elevation
no pain
history consistent (SOB)
What is the first place you should look to assess swelling in foot and ankle? - CORRECT
ANSWER - medial malleolus
What are the characteristics of renal failure? - CORRECT ANSWER - kidneys unable to
remove waist
fatigue
flank pain btwn ribs/hips
changes in urination
What are characteristics of malignancy? - CORRECT ANSWER - pain, paresthesia
paralysis
proximal onset
UPDATED ACTUAL Exam Questions and
CORRECT Answers
It is not uncommon for what portion of examination to give more information that physical
exam? - CORRECT ANSWER - patient history!!
How does lymphedema develop? (speed, location, sx) - CORRECT ANSWER - slowly
distal to proximal
not typically painful
If there is a quick decline in patient status, what is the most appropriate action? - CORRECT
ANSWER - refer to ED, especially if patient is unwell and limb is warm
What can be recognized through palpation in exam? - CORRECT ANSWER - temperature
differences
pitting edema
fibrosis of tissue
moist/dry skin
If limb is moist but not leaking, it could be ____ - CORRECT ANSWER - healthy
If a limb is found to be dry, it could be ___ - CORRECT ANSWER - very unhealthy
What are common differential diagnoses when trying to identify lymphedema? - CORRECT
ANSWER - acute DVT
cardiac edema/CHF
renal failure
malignancy
, infection
RSD
What are the characteristics for a DVT? - CORRECT ANSWER - sudden onset
unilateral
pain
cyanosis/rubor, heat
positive Homan's
What are characteristics of CHF/cardiac edema? - CORRECT ANSWER - greatest in
feet/ankles
always bilateral
pitting
near complete resolution with elevation
no pain
history consistent (SOB)
What is the first place you should look to assess swelling in foot and ankle? - CORRECT
ANSWER - medial malleolus
What are the characteristics of renal failure? - CORRECT ANSWER - kidneys unable to
remove waist
fatigue
flank pain btwn ribs/hips
changes in urination
What are characteristics of malignancy? - CORRECT ANSWER - pain, paresthesia
paralysis
proximal onset
