CLT Complete Decongestive Therapy & Patient Self-Care

Question 1

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) consists of how many primary components?

Accepted Answer

Four: MLD, compression bandaging, remedial exercise, and skin/nail care

Answer

Two: MLD and compression garments

Answer

Three: MLD, compression, and exercise

Answer

Five: MLD, compression, exercise, diet, and surgery

Question 2

The intensive (Phase I) of CDT is typically conducted for how long?

Accepted Answer

2–4 weeks of daily treatment

Answer

1–3 days

Answer

3–6 months

Answer

One single session

Question 3

The maintenance (Phase II) of CDT is the patient's lifelong responsibility and involves what primary regimen?

Accepted Answer

Daily self-MLD, compression garment wear, exercise, and skin care

Answer

Weekly professional MLD sessions only

Answer

Compression garment wear only — no other interventions needed

Answer

Surgical lymph node transplant

Question 4

Which type of exercise is specifically recommended during the intensive CDT phase with compression bandaging in place?

Accepted Answer

Remedial exercises — gentle, repetitive, rhythmic limb movements

Answer

High-impact aerobics

Answer

Heavy weightlifting

Answer

Complete bed rest — no exercise until bandaging is removed

Question 5

Skin care in CDT for lymphedema patients focuses on maintaining skin pH at what level and using what type of products?

Accepted Answer

Slightly acidic pH (5–5.5) with low-pH moisturizers and gentle cleansers

Answer

Alkaline pH (8–9) with antibacterial soaps

Answer

Neutral pH (7) with standard hospital-grade soap

Answer

pH is irrelevant — any moisturizer is acceptable

Question 6

A patient with lower extremity lymphedema asks if they can take a hot tub bath. What is the correct guidance?

Accepted Answer

Avoid prolonged heat exposure as it increases capillary filtration and can worsen swelling

Answer

Hot baths are encouraged to improve circulation

Answer

Heat has no effect on lymphedema

Answer

Hot tubs specifically help MLD effectiveness the following day