CLT Post-Surgical & Oncology Lymphedema Care

Question 1

The sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) was developed to:

Accepted Answer

Reduce lymph node removal by identifying the first draining node from a tumor

Answer

Replace MLD as a diagnostic tool

Answer

Increase lymph node removal accuracy

Answer

Detect lymph node metastasis after chemotherapy

Question 2

Axillary web syndrome (cording) is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Palpable cord-like structures under the skin causing restricted arm movement

Answer

Infection of axillary lymph nodes

Answer

Excessive scar tissue in the axillary incision

Answer

Seroma formation after surgery

Question 3

The recommended time to begin post-operative MLD after axillary lymph node dissection is generally:

Accepted Answer

Within 24–48 hours, as soon as incisions are stable

Answer

Immediately in the operating room

Answer

Only after all swelling resolves spontaneously

Answer

6 months post-operatively to allow full healing

Question 4

Which cancer treatment besides surgery carries the highest risk of secondary lymphedema?

Accepted Answer

Radiation therapy to regional lymph nodes

Answer

Systemic chemotherapy

Answer

Targeted therapy (trastuzumab)

Answer

Hormonal therapy (tamoxifen)

Question 5

A CLT treating a patient with active cancer should coordinate care with the oncologist primarily because:

Accepted Answer

CDT timing must align with treatment phases, and certain conditions alter contraindications

Answer

MLD can interfere with chemotherapy drug distribution

Answer

Insurance requires physician co-signature for billing

Answer

Patients with cancer cannot tolerate exercise

Question 6

Seroma formation after breast cancer surgery is relevant to lymphedema care because:

Accepted Answer

Repeated seroma aspiration can further damage lymphatic vessels and increase lymphedema risk

Answer

Seroma is a type of lymphedema

Answer

Seromas prevent MLD from being effective

Answer

Seroma fluid must be redirected using MLD techniques