Complete Decongestive Therapy & Patient Self-Care Flashcards
6 cards from real CLT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Complete Decongestive Therapy & Patient Self-Care flashcards as text
What role do aquatic/hydrotherapy exercises play in lymphedema management?
Answer: Hydrostatic pressure and movement in water reduce limb volume and improve lymph flow
Water's hydrostatic pressure provides external compression similar to a bandage, and movement in water encourages lymphatic flow, making aquatic exercise highly beneficial.
Which dietary recommendation is generally advised for patients with lymphedema to reduce lymphatic load?
Answer: Reduction of dietary sodium and maintenance of healthy body weight
Reducing sodium intake limits fluid retention, and maintaining a healthy weight reduces the physical burden on the lymphatic system, both helping to control edema.
A CLT should advise a breast cancer survivor with arm lymphedema to avoid blood pressure measurements in which arm?
Answer: The affected arm, to avoid compression and potential injury to compromised lymphatics
Blood pressure cuffs apply tourniquet-like compression that can injure fragile lymphatic vessels and trigger a flare in the at-risk or affected arm.
The National Lymphedema Network (NLN) precautions for at-risk patients include which activity restriction?
Answer: Avoiding venipuncture, injections, and blood pressure measurement in the at-risk limb
NLN guidelines recommend avoiding procedures that could cause injury, inflammation, or compression in the at-risk limb, including needle sticks and blood pressure cuffs.
For patients flying with lymphedema, what compression intervention is recommended?
Answer: Wearing a well-fitted compression garment during the flight and staying hydrated and mobile
Wearing a compression garment during flights counteracts the effects of reduced cabin pressure and prolonged immobility, which increase edema risk in lymphedema patients.
A lymphedema patient notices signs of cellulitis (redness, warmth, fever). The CLT's immediate recommendation should be to do what?
Answer: Seek prompt medical care and start prescribed antibiotics; pause MLD and compression until infection resolves
Active cellulitis requires antibiotic treatment and temporarily contraindications MLD and compression, which could spread the infection or cause injury to infected tissue.