Lymphedema ACTUAL UPDATED Exam
Questions and CORRECT Answers
What is stage 1 of lymphedema? - CORRECT ANSWER -The patient has an
accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the affected area. There is pitting edema present. The edema
will decrease with elevation of the limb overnight, and the edema increases with activity, heat, or
humidity.
What is stage 2 of lymphedema? - CORRECT ANSWER -The patient has continued
accumulation of protein-rich edema which is non-pitting. The skin begins to toughen. There is
connective scar tissue and fibrosis present. The edema is not reversible with elevation.
What is stage 3 of lymphedema? - CORRECT ANSWER -The patient has continued
accumulation of protein-rich edema. There is significant scar tissue and connective tissue
present. The skin is very tough, papillomas are present, and hyperkeratosis is present. Edema
does not change with elevation. This patient is prone to infections due to the fluid buildup.
All of the following signs or symptoms are consistent with lymphedema except:
-Quick wound healing
-Numbness of tingling in the area
-Edema that does not change with elevation
-Complaints of heaviness or fullness and fatigue in the affected region - CORRECT
ANSWER -Quick wound healing
What are signs and symptoms of lymphedema? - CORRECT ANSWER -Delayed wound
healing. Feeling of heaviness or fullness of the limb, numbness or tingling, edema that is
unrelieved by elevation, and complaints that clothing becomes tight
Surgery, such as liposuction, hernia repair, total hip replacement, or lumpectomy of the breast,
can result in which type of lymphedema?
, -Filariasis
-Secondary lymphedema
-Idiopathic lymphedema
-Primary lymphedema - CORRECT ANSWER -Secondary lymphedema
Secondary lymphedema is caused by damage to one or more components of the lymph system. It
is more common than primary lymphedema and is typically the result of any of the following
causes: surgery, crush injury, radiation, chronic venous insufficiency, complications of paralysis,
and disuse secondary to complex regional pain syndrome.
What is secondary lymphedema? - CORRECT ANSWER -Secondary lymphedema is
caused by damage to one or more components of the lymph system. It is more common than
primary lymphedema and is typically the result of any of the following causes: surgery, crush
injury, radiation, chronic venous insufficiency, complications of paralysis, and disuse secondary
to complex regional pain syndrome.
What is primary/idiopathic lymphedema? - CORRECT ANSWER -Is is thought to be the
result of malformation of lymph nodes or vessels at birth. The incidence is unknown, but it is
less common than secondary. It is also more common in female than in males
Which of the following statements is true regarding medical management of lymphedema?
-Diuretics work to reduce edema in lymphedema
-Diuretics can decrease fibrosis and reduce extracellular protein
-No clear pharmaceutical management is available
-Surgical procedures can be largely effective in reducing lymphedema - CORRECT
ANSWER -No clear pharmaceutical management is available
Diuretics work if the edema is due to sodium retention. However, diuretics are ineffective in
lymphedema. Diuretics can add to increased extracellular protein and increase fibrosis. Surgical
procedures are mostly ineffective and are only typically used to treat severe involvement.
Questions and CORRECT Answers
What is stage 1 of lymphedema? - CORRECT ANSWER -The patient has an
accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the affected area. There is pitting edema present. The edema
will decrease with elevation of the limb overnight, and the edema increases with activity, heat, or
humidity.
What is stage 2 of lymphedema? - CORRECT ANSWER -The patient has continued
accumulation of protein-rich edema which is non-pitting. The skin begins to toughen. There is
connective scar tissue and fibrosis present. The edema is not reversible with elevation.
What is stage 3 of lymphedema? - CORRECT ANSWER -The patient has continued
accumulation of protein-rich edema. There is significant scar tissue and connective tissue
present. The skin is very tough, papillomas are present, and hyperkeratosis is present. Edema
does not change with elevation. This patient is prone to infections due to the fluid buildup.
All of the following signs or symptoms are consistent with lymphedema except:
-Quick wound healing
-Numbness of tingling in the area
-Edema that does not change with elevation
-Complaints of heaviness or fullness and fatigue in the affected region - CORRECT
ANSWER -Quick wound healing
What are signs and symptoms of lymphedema? - CORRECT ANSWER -Delayed wound
healing. Feeling of heaviness or fullness of the limb, numbness or tingling, edema that is
unrelieved by elevation, and complaints that clothing becomes tight
Surgery, such as liposuction, hernia repair, total hip replacement, or lumpectomy of the breast,
can result in which type of lymphedema?
, -Filariasis
-Secondary lymphedema
-Idiopathic lymphedema
-Primary lymphedema - CORRECT ANSWER -Secondary lymphedema
Secondary lymphedema is caused by damage to one or more components of the lymph system. It
is more common than primary lymphedema and is typically the result of any of the following
causes: surgery, crush injury, radiation, chronic venous insufficiency, complications of paralysis,
and disuse secondary to complex regional pain syndrome.
What is secondary lymphedema? - CORRECT ANSWER -Secondary lymphedema is
caused by damage to one or more components of the lymph system. It is more common than
primary lymphedema and is typically the result of any of the following causes: surgery, crush
injury, radiation, chronic venous insufficiency, complications of paralysis, and disuse secondary
to complex regional pain syndrome.
What is primary/idiopathic lymphedema? - CORRECT ANSWER -Is is thought to be the
result of malformation of lymph nodes or vessels at birth. The incidence is unknown, but it is
less common than secondary. It is also more common in female than in males
Which of the following statements is true regarding medical management of lymphedema?
-Diuretics work to reduce edema in lymphedema
-Diuretics can decrease fibrosis and reduce extracellular protein
-No clear pharmaceutical management is available
-Surgical procedures can be largely effective in reducing lymphedema - CORRECT
ANSWER -No clear pharmaceutical management is available
Diuretics work if the edema is due to sodium retention. However, diuretics are ineffective in
lymphedema. Diuretics can add to increased extracellular protein and increase fibrosis. Surgical
procedures are mostly ineffective and are only typically used to treat severe involvement.
