Complete Decongestive Therapy & Compression Bandaging Flashcards

Decongestive exercises during CDT are performed while wearing compression bandages because:

Answer: Muscle contractions against resistance of bandages enhance lymphatic pumping

Exercising with compression bandages creates increased working pressure that enhances the pumping effect of muscle contractions on lymphatic vessels.

Which type of compression garment is typically prescribed for Phase II maintenance in arm lymphedema?

Answer: Flat-knit or circular-knit compression sleeves with or without gloves

Phase II maintenance uses custom or off-the-shelf flat-knit or circular-knit compression sleeves that patients wear during waking hours to sustain Phase I gains.

Compression class 2 garments for leg lymphedema provide approximately how much ankle pressure?

Answer: 30–40 mmHg

Class 2 compression garments provide 30–40 mmHg at the ankle, commonly prescribed for moderate lymphedema management.

Skin care in CDT is essential because lymphedematous skin is at increased risk for:

Answer: Infection, breakdown, and delayed wound healing due to impaired local immunity

Lymphedematous tissue has impaired local immune defense and reduced wound healing capacity, making meticulous skin care critical to prevent cellulitis and breakdown.

Pneumatic compression devices (PCDs) used for lymphedema should ideally:

Answer: Be used as an adjunct to CDT, not as a standalone treatment

PCDs can augment CDT by mobilizing fluid from the limb but lack the trunk-clearing and rerouting capabilities of MLD, making them adjuncts rather than replacements.

Which of the following is a contraindication to compression bandaging in lymphedema?

Answer: Active deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Active DVT is a contraindication to compression bandaging because compression could dislodge a thrombus, causing pulmonary embolism.