Lymphedema Pathophysiology & Staging 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 Lymphedema Pathophysiology & Staging flashcards as text
Lymphedema is defined as swelling caused by:
Answer: Accumulation of protein-rich fluid due to lymphatic insufficiency
Lymphedema results from the accumulation of protein-rich interstitial fluid when lymphatic transport capacity is insufficient to handle the lymphatic load.
What is the difference between primary and secondary lymphedema?
Answer: Primary results from developmental lymphatic abnormalities; secondary results from damage to an intact system
Primary lymphedema results from congenital or developmental abnormalities of lymphatic vessels, while secondary lymphedema occurs when an otherwise normal system is damaged.
According to the International Society of Lymphology (ISL), Stage 0 lymphedema is characterized by:
Answer: Latent or subclinical condition with no visible swelling despite impaired transport
ISL Stage 0 (latent stage) describes lymphatic dysfunction without visible edema, where transport capacity is reduced but not yet overwhelmed.
Pitting edema in lymphedema is most characteristic of which ISL stage?
Answer: Stage I
ISL Stage I lymphedema presents with pitting edema that reduces with limb elevation, indicating primarily fluid accumulation without significant fibrosis.
The Stemmer sign is used to assess lymphedema by:
Answer: Attempting to pinch a fold of skin at the base of the second toe or finger
A positive Stemmer sign occurs when you cannot pinch and lift a fold of skin at the base of the second toe or finger due to fibrotic skin thickening.
Fibrosis in chronic lymphedema is primarily caused by:
Answer: Chronic protein accumulation stimulating inflammatory fibroblast activity
Chronic protein-rich fluid accumulation triggers chronic inflammation and stimulates fibroblasts to deposit collagen, leading to progressive tissue fibrosis.