Lymphedema Management UPDATED Exam
Questions and CORRECT Answers
What is the goal of the lymphatic system? - CORRECT ANSWER - To return excess fluid
that has been passed from out of the blood back into the blood
The largest lymphatic channel in the body is...? - CORRECT ANSWER - Thoracic duct
-Pierces through the diaphragm, hence the importance of diaphragmatic breathing
The ______ duct drains the RUQ, while the _______ duct drains the rest of the body. -
CORRECT ANSWER - -Right lymphatic duct
-Thoracic duct
Lymph fluid turns from a clear color to cloudy color after passing through the ________ due to
fats from the GI system. - CORRECT ANSWER - Cisterna chyli
T/F. Lymphedema can be effectively treated with diuretics. - CORRECT ANSWER -
False; they remove fluid but leave behind the protein contents that will eventually cause fluid to
return to the area
These are the 3 objective measurements that can indicate lymphedema. - CORRECT
ANSWER - -2 cm circumferential difference along different location in the limbs
(measured in 4 cm intervals)
-200 ml difference between limbs
-10% calculated volume difference between limbs
Primary lymphedema is a structural disruption or developmental abnormality (dysplasia) of the
lymphatic system. What are the 2 primary types? - CORRECT ANSWER - -Praecox:
occurs before age 35
-Tarda: occurs after age 35
, The leading cause of lymphedema worldwide is...? - CORRECT ANSWER - Filiariasis
-Parasite worms transmitted via mosquito bites live in the lymphatic system and obstruct flow
The most common cause of secondary lymphedema in the U.S. is...? - CORRECT
ANSWER - Cancer therapy
T/F. Cellulitis, an infection of the skin that can cause damage to the lymphatic system, primarily
presents in the upper extremities. - CORRECT ANSWER - False; 75-90% of cases occur
in the LE
What is a positive Stemmer's sign? - CORRECT ANSWER - Unable to pinch and lift the
skin
-Indicates lymphedema
How does lipedema differ in presentation from lymphedema? - CORRECT ANSWER --
Bilateral swelling
-Symmetrical
-Does NOT involve the feet (except for stage 4)
-No pitting
T/F. Cardiac edema always presents with bilateral swelling with the greatest amount of swelling
occurring in the proximal limbs. - CORRECT ANSWER - False; cardiac edema will
always present bilateral but with the greatest amount distally
Pretibial myxedema is caused by...? - CORRECT ANSWER - Severe hypothyroidism and
some forms of hyperthyroidism
Pitting edema is most prominent in what stage of lymphedema? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Early stage 2
Questions and CORRECT Answers
What is the goal of the lymphatic system? - CORRECT ANSWER - To return excess fluid
that has been passed from out of the blood back into the blood
The largest lymphatic channel in the body is...? - CORRECT ANSWER - Thoracic duct
-Pierces through the diaphragm, hence the importance of diaphragmatic breathing
The ______ duct drains the RUQ, while the _______ duct drains the rest of the body. -
CORRECT ANSWER - -Right lymphatic duct
-Thoracic duct
Lymph fluid turns from a clear color to cloudy color after passing through the ________ due to
fats from the GI system. - CORRECT ANSWER - Cisterna chyli
T/F. Lymphedema can be effectively treated with diuretics. - CORRECT ANSWER -
False; they remove fluid but leave behind the protein contents that will eventually cause fluid to
return to the area
These are the 3 objective measurements that can indicate lymphedema. - CORRECT
ANSWER - -2 cm circumferential difference along different location in the limbs
(measured in 4 cm intervals)
-200 ml difference between limbs
-10% calculated volume difference between limbs
Primary lymphedema is a structural disruption or developmental abnormality (dysplasia) of the
lymphatic system. What are the 2 primary types? - CORRECT ANSWER - -Praecox:
occurs before age 35
-Tarda: occurs after age 35
, The leading cause of lymphedema worldwide is...? - CORRECT ANSWER - Filiariasis
-Parasite worms transmitted via mosquito bites live in the lymphatic system and obstruct flow
The most common cause of secondary lymphedema in the U.S. is...? - CORRECT
ANSWER - Cancer therapy
T/F. Cellulitis, an infection of the skin that can cause damage to the lymphatic system, primarily
presents in the upper extremities. - CORRECT ANSWER - False; 75-90% of cases occur
in the LE
What is a positive Stemmer's sign? - CORRECT ANSWER - Unable to pinch and lift the
skin
-Indicates lymphedema
How does lipedema differ in presentation from lymphedema? - CORRECT ANSWER --
Bilateral swelling
-Symmetrical
-Does NOT involve the feet (except for stage 4)
-No pitting
T/F. Cardiac edema always presents with bilateral swelling with the greatest amount of swelling
occurring in the proximal limbs. - CORRECT ANSWER - False; cardiac edema will
always present bilateral but with the greatest amount distally
Pretibial myxedema is caused by...? - CORRECT ANSWER - Severe hypothyroidism and
some forms of hyperthyroidism
Pitting edema is most prominent in what stage of lymphedema? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Early stage 2
