Fall Semester 2025 ACOLS MLD Training Q&A
Study Guide | Complete Manual Lymphatic
Drainage Practice Questions with Verified
Answers & Detailed Rationales, Lymphedema
Management, Anatomy of the Lymphatic System
& Vodder-Based Techniques Review | Updated
ACOLS Certification Prep
ACOLS MLD TRAINING EXAM WITH COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND WELL-
ELABORATED SOLUTIONS
Actual Real Exam Questions and Answers | Practice Exam Test Bank and Study Guide |
Professional Certification Review
Overview
This exam is designed for participants of the ACOLS MLD Training program. It assesses
the understanding and application of manual lymphatic drainage techniques and
principles. By completing this exam, learners will reinforce their knowledge and prepare
effectively for certification or assessments in lymphatic health care.
Key Features
• Actual exam-style questions from recent testing cycles
• Well-elaborated solutions with clinical and academic reasoning
• Comprehensive practice test bank with varied difficulty levels
• Updated guidelines, protocols, and concepts
• Scenario-based applications with real-world contexts
Exam Components
• Actual Exam Questions Bank: 170 questions
• Comprehensive Practice Exam: 50 questions
• Study Guide Section: Concept review + detailed explanations
Core Content Areas
1. Lymphatic System Anatomy (20 Questions)
2. Physiology of Lymphatic Flow (20 Questions)
, 3. MLD Techniques (30 Questions)
4. Pathologies and Contraindications (20 Questions)
5. Patient Assessment (20 Questions)
6. Post-Operative Care (20 Questions)
7. Ethics and Professional Conduct (20 Questions)
8. Clinical Research and Evidence-Based Practice (20 Questions)
Answer Format
Verified correct answers provided in bold green with step-by-step rationales, evidence-
based explanations, intervention pathways, and concept clarifications.
Exam Questions
Question 1
What is the primary function of the lymphatic system?
A) Transport oxygen to tissues
B) Remove waste products from tissues
C) Regulate body temperature
D) Maintain fluid balance
CORRECT ANSWER: D
Rationale: The primary function of the lymphatic system is to maintain fluid balance by
returning interstitial fluid to the bloodstream and filtering it through lymph nodes to
remove pathogens and waste.
Question 2
Which technique is commonly used in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?
A) Deep tissue massage
B) Friction massage
C) Circular strokes
D) Light rhythmic strokes
CORRECT ANSWER: D
Rationale: Light rhythmic strokes are the hallmark of MLD, promoting lymph flow
,without causing tissue damage, in contrast to more vigorous techniques like deep
tissue massage.
Question 3
Which condition is a contraindication for MLD?
A) Lymphedema
B) Acute infections
C) Post-surgical recovery
D) Edema due to heart failure
CORRECT ANSWER: D
Rationale: MLD is contraindicated in individuals with edema due to heart failure
because it can exacerbate the condition by increasing fluid retention.
Question 4
What is the primary goal of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?
A) Increase muscle strength
B) Facilitate lymphatic flow
C) Reduce pain
D) Improve joint mobility
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: The primary goal of MLD is to facilitate lymphatic flow, helping to reduce
swelling and promote healing by stimulating the movement of lymph through the
vessels.
Question 5
Which of the following is a sign of lymphedema?
A) Skin pallor
B) Swelling in the extremities
C) Numbness
D) Pain on movement
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Swelling in the extremities is a key sign of lymphedema, characterized by an
accumulation of lymph fluid.
Question 6
, Which anatomical structure drains lymph from the right upper quadrant of the
body?
A) Thoracic duct
B) Right lymphatic duct
C) Lumbar trunk
D) Subclavian vein
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: The right lymphatic duct drains lymph from the right upper quadrant,
including the right arm and right side of the head.
Question 7
In which layer of the skin are lymphatic vessels primarily located?
A) Dermis
B) Epidermis
C) Hypodermis
D) Subcutaneous layer
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Lymphatic vessels are primarily located in the dermis, where they can
efficiently collect interstitial fluid.
Question 8
Which of the following is NOT a component of the lymphatic system?
A) Lymph nodes
B) Blood capillaries
C) Spleen
D) Thymus
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Blood capillaries are not part of the lymphatic system; they are components
of the circulatory system responsible for nutrient and gas exchange.
Question 9
What is the term for the buildup of fluid in tissues due to lymphatic obstruction?
A) Edema
B) Infusion
C) Congestion
D) Lymphedema
Study Guide | Complete Manual Lymphatic
Drainage Practice Questions with Verified
Answers & Detailed Rationales, Lymphedema
Management, Anatomy of the Lymphatic System
& Vodder-Based Techniques Review | Updated
ACOLS Certification Prep
ACOLS MLD TRAINING EXAM WITH COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND WELL-
ELABORATED SOLUTIONS
Actual Real Exam Questions and Answers | Practice Exam Test Bank and Study Guide |
Professional Certification Review
Overview
This exam is designed for participants of the ACOLS MLD Training program. It assesses
the understanding and application of manual lymphatic drainage techniques and
principles. By completing this exam, learners will reinforce their knowledge and prepare
effectively for certification or assessments in lymphatic health care.
Key Features
• Actual exam-style questions from recent testing cycles
• Well-elaborated solutions with clinical and academic reasoning
• Comprehensive practice test bank with varied difficulty levels
• Updated guidelines, protocols, and concepts
• Scenario-based applications with real-world contexts
Exam Components
• Actual Exam Questions Bank: 170 questions
• Comprehensive Practice Exam: 50 questions
• Study Guide Section: Concept review + detailed explanations
Core Content Areas
1. Lymphatic System Anatomy (20 Questions)
2. Physiology of Lymphatic Flow (20 Questions)
, 3. MLD Techniques (30 Questions)
4. Pathologies and Contraindications (20 Questions)
5. Patient Assessment (20 Questions)
6. Post-Operative Care (20 Questions)
7. Ethics and Professional Conduct (20 Questions)
8. Clinical Research and Evidence-Based Practice (20 Questions)
Answer Format
Verified correct answers provided in bold green with step-by-step rationales, evidence-
based explanations, intervention pathways, and concept clarifications.
Exam Questions
Question 1
What is the primary function of the lymphatic system?
A) Transport oxygen to tissues
B) Remove waste products from tissues
C) Regulate body temperature
D) Maintain fluid balance
CORRECT ANSWER: D
Rationale: The primary function of the lymphatic system is to maintain fluid balance by
returning interstitial fluid to the bloodstream and filtering it through lymph nodes to
remove pathogens and waste.
Question 2
Which technique is commonly used in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?
A) Deep tissue massage
B) Friction massage
C) Circular strokes
D) Light rhythmic strokes
CORRECT ANSWER: D
Rationale: Light rhythmic strokes are the hallmark of MLD, promoting lymph flow
,without causing tissue damage, in contrast to more vigorous techniques like deep
tissue massage.
Question 3
Which condition is a contraindication for MLD?
A) Lymphedema
B) Acute infections
C) Post-surgical recovery
D) Edema due to heart failure
CORRECT ANSWER: D
Rationale: MLD is contraindicated in individuals with edema due to heart failure
because it can exacerbate the condition by increasing fluid retention.
Question 4
What is the primary goal of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?
A) Increase muscle strength
B) Facilitate lymphatic flow
C) Reduce pain
D) Improve joint mobility
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: The primary goal of MLD is to facilitate lymphatic flow, helping to reduce
swelling and promote healing by stimulating the movement of lymph through the
vessels.
Question 5
Which of the following is a sign of lymphedema?
A) Skin pallor
B) Swelling in the extremities
C) Numbness
D) Pain on movement
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Swelling in the extremities is a key sign of lymphedema, characterized by an
accumulation of lymph fluid.
Question 6
, Which anatomical structure drains lymph from the right upper quadrant of the
body?
A) Thoracic duct
B) Right lymphatic duct
C) Lumbar trunk
D) Subclavian vein
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: The right lymphatic duct drains lymph from the right upper quadrant,
including the right arm and right side of the head.
Question 7
In which layer of the skin are lymphatic vessels primarily located?
A) Dermis
B) Epidermis
C) Hypodermis
D) Subcutaneous layer
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Lymphatic vessels are primarily located in the dermis, where they can
efficiently collect interstitial fluid.
Question 8
Which of the following is NOT a component of the lymphatic system?
A) Lymph nodes
B) Blood capillaries
C) Spleen
D) Thymus
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Blood capillaries are not part of the lymphatic system; they are components
of the circulatory system responsible for nutrient and gas exchange.
Question 9
What is the term for the buildup of fluid in tissues due to lymphatic obstruction?
A) Edema
B) Infusion
C) Congestion
D) Lymphedema
