CLT Contraindications & Precautions for Lymphatic Therapy

Question 1

Which condition is considered an absolute contraindication for Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?

Accepted Answer

Active deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Answer

Mild bilateral ankle edema

Answer

Healed surgical incision

Answer

Controlled type 2 diabetes

Question 2

Which cardiac condition represents an absolute contraindication for lymphatic therapy?

Accepted Answer

Decompensated congestive heart failure

Answer

Controlled mild hypertension

Answer

History of resolved myocardial infarction

Answer

Atrial fibrillation under medical management

Question 3

Active malignancy in or near the treatment area is classified as:

Accepted Answer

An absolute contraindication for MLD

Answer

A relative contraindication requiring physician clearance

Answer

A precaution requiring reduced treatment intensity only

Answer

Not a contraindication if the patient is asymptomatic

Question 4

A patient presents with acute cellulitis in the lymphedematous limb. The correct management is:

Accepted Answer

Defer all CDT until infection resolves with antibiotics

Answer

Immediate aggressive MLD to flush the infection

Answer

Compression bandaging only until antibiotics begin

Answer

Gentle MLD combined with concurrent antibiotic treatment

Question 5

Renal failure is a contraindication for lymphatic therapy primarily because:

Accepted Answer

The kidneys may be unable to process the increased fluid mobilized during treatment

Answer

MLD causes the kidneys to produce excess lymph

Answer

Compression garments restrict renal blood vessels

Answer

MLD stimulates excessive hormone release from the kidneys

Question 6

A patient presents with acute inflammation following an insect sting on the forearm. The therapist should:

Accepted Answer

Avoid MLD on the affected limb until acute inflammation resolves

Answer

Perform MLD distal to the sting to reduce distal edema

Answer

Apply compression bandaging immediately to reduce swelling

Answer

Perform MLD proximal to the sting site only

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT an absolute contraindication for MLD?

Accepted Answer

Chronic Stage I lymphedema

Answer

Active deep vein thrombosis

Answer

Decompensated congestive heart failure

Answer

Active malignancy in the treatment field