CLT CLT Skin Care & Wound Management 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary skin care goal for lymphedema patients?
- Maintain skin integrity to prevent infection and secondary complications (Correct answer)
- Reduce swelling through topical creams alone
- Promote skin darkening to protect against UV damage
- Increase skin oil production to prevent dryness
Correct answer: Maintain skin integrity to prevent infection and secondary complications
Maintaining skin integrity is the primary goal because breaks in the skin create entry points for bacteria, leading to cellulitis and worsening lymphedema.
Question 2: Which moisturizer type is most recommended for daily skin care in lymphedema patients?
- Fragrance-free, low-pH emollient creams (Correct answer)
- Alcohol-based astringent lotions
- Heavy petroleum-based ointments only
- Scented lotions with added botanicals
Correct answer: Fragrance-free, low-pH emollient creams
Fragrance-free, low-pH emollient creams hydrate without irritating skin, reducing the risk of contact dermatitis and infection in lymphedematous tissue.
Question 3: Which chronic skin change is characterized by thickened, warty skin projections in long-standing lymphedema?
- Papillomatosis (Correct answer)
- Erythema
- Urticaria
- Petechiae
Correct answer: Papillomatosis
Papillomatosis presents as cobblestone-like, warty skin projections caused by chronic lymphostasis and fibrotic tissue changes in advanced lymphedema.
Question 4: What water temperature is recommended for bathing a lymphedematous limb?
- Lukewarm (approximately 92–98°F / 33–37°C) (Correct answer)
- Hot water to improve circulation
- Ice-cold water to reduce swelling
- Alternating hot and cold water
Correct answer: Lukewarm (approximately 92–98°F / 33–37°C)
Lukewarm water is recommended because hot water increases vasodilation and lymphatic load, potentially worsening swelling in a compromised lymphatic system.
Question 5: How should a minor cut or abrasion be treated immediately on a lymphedematous limb?
- Wash with mild soap, apply antiseptic, cover with clean bandage, and monitor for infection signs (Correct answer)
- Leave open to air without covering
- Apply compression bandage tightly over the wound site
- Soak the wound in hot water to disinfect
Correct answer: Wash with mild soap, apply antiseptic, cover with clean bandage, and monitor for infection signs
Prompt cleaning, antiseptic application, and coverage reduces bacterial entry risk, while monitoring catches early cellulitis signs in immunologically compromised tissue.
Question 6: What is the term for the skin condition involving fibrosis and hardening of subcutaneous tissue seen in advanced lymphedema?
- Fibrosis (sclerosis) (Correct answer)
- Lipedema
- Angioedema
- Erysipelas
Correct answer: Fibrosis (sclerosis)
Fibrosis or sclerosis occurs when chronic protein-rich fluid accumulation triggers fibroblast activity, leading to hardened, indurated subcutaneous tissue.
CLT CLT Skin Care & Wound Management 1
What is the primary skin care goal for lymphedema patients?