Basics
Define lymphedema
What is a chronic condition causing swelling in a person's legs or arms when the lymphatic system is damaged
Name one way to manage lymphedema
what is compression wrapping, manual lymphatic drainage, therapeutic exercise, compression garment?
Name a resource that you can give to patient who is diagnosed with lymphedema
what is a lymphedema education handout> located in the filing cabinet under the lymphedema tab?
T/F lymphedema progresses if left untreated
What is true?
T/F lymphedema does not progress when untreated
what is FALSE?
T/F you can reduce swelling by applying heat to a limb affected by lymphedema
What is False?
Name one thing that can cause lymphedema
what is radiation, surgery, trauma?
Name a way a patient with lymphedema can take care of their skin
what is nail care, moisturize skin, sunscreen?
define lymphedema stage 0
who is a patient that has had a reduction in transport capacity and is at risk for developing lymphedema
The difference between primary and secondary lymphedema
What is secondary is congenital and primary is an impact to the transport capacity of the lymphatic system
T/F A patient with a DVT can be treated with compression wrapping
What is True, but ONLY 48 hours after initiation of therapeutic dose anticoagulation?
Define Stemmer's Sign
What is a test used to diagnose lymphedema by pinching the skin on the back of a patient's middle finger or second toe?
Name one function of the lymphatic system
what is fluid balance, absorption of fats from GI to the bloodstream, enhancement of the immune system?
Explain manual lymphatic drainage
What is a skin stretching technique that encourages the movement of excess lymph fluid away from swollen tissues and back toward functioning lymph nodes?
You suspect a person has lymphedema, name the group you contact