Ineffective Tissue Perfusion: Lymphedema Flashcards
What is lymphedema?
A) Swelling caused by venous insufficiency
B) Swelling due to lymphatic obstruction
C) Accumulation of arterial blood in the tissues
D) Excess fluid retention from kidney failure
B) Swelling due to lymphatic obstruction
Rationale: Lymphedema occurs when lymphatic drainage is impaired, leading to fluid accumulation in the arms and legs.
What is the primary cause of lymphedema?
A) Increased arterial pressure
B) Congenital absence or decreased number of lymphatic vessels
C) Hypercoagulability
D) Blocked veins due to varicose veins
B) Congenital absence or decreased number of lymphatic vessels
Rationale: Primary lymphedema is a genetic disorder where the lymphatic system fails to develop properly, leading to fluid accumulation.
Which of the following is a secondary cause of lymphedema?
A) Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
B) Radiation therapy
C) High blood pressure
D) Liver cirrhosis
B) Radiation therapy
Rationale: Secondary lymphedema occurs due to surgery, radiation, cancer, infection, or trauma, which obstructs lymphatic flow.
What are the key manifestations of lymphedema?
A) Skin ulcerations and sharp pain
B) Edema and skin changes
C) Cyanosis and weak pulses
D) Muscle cramps and numbness
B) Edema and skin changes
Rationale: Lymphedema causes persistent swelling (especially in the arms and legs) and skin thickening, fibrosis, or infections.
A 45-year-old woman who had a mastectomy with lymph node removal develops arm swelling. What is the likely cause?
A) Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
B) Lymphedema
C) Cellulitis
D) Raynaud’s disease
B) Lymphedema
Rationale: Surgical removal of lymph nodes disrupts lymphatic drainage, leading to fluid buildup in the affected limb.
What diagnostic methods are used for lymphedema?
A) Echocardiogram and stress test
B) Physical exam, history, and imaging
C) Electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood work
D) Spirometry and lung function tests
B) Physical exam, history, and imaging
Rationale: Lymphedema is diagnosed through clinical examination, patient history, and imaging to assess lymphatic function.
A patient with lymphedema is instructed to wear compression stockings. What is the purpose of this treatment?
A) To increase arterial blood flow
B) To reduce fluid accumulation by improving lymphatic drainage
C) To prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
D) To cure the underlying lymphatic obstruction
B) To reduce fluid accumulation by improving lymphatic drainage
Rationale: Compression stockings help move excess fluid and reduce swelling, improving lymphatic circulation.
Which treatment is most appropriate for managing lymphedema?
A) Strict bed rest
B) High-sodium diet
C) Manual lymph drainage and compression therapy
D) Diuretic medications
C) Manual lymph drainage and compression therapy
Rationale: Manual lymph drainage and compression therapy help move excess lymphatic fluid and reduce swelling.
A patient with lymphedema asks about exercise. What advice should the nurse provide?
A) “Exercise should be avoided to prevent swelling.”
B) “Mild exercise, like walking or swimming, can help lymph drainage.”
C) “High-intensity workouts are the best for fluid reduction.”
D) “You should only rest and keep the limb elevated.”
B) “Mild exercise, like walking or swimming, can help lymph drainage.”
Rationale: Low-impact exercise helps stimulate lymphatic circulation and prevent worsening swelling.
What type of medical device is commonly used to treat lymphedema?
A) Pacemaker
B) Sequential compression device
C) Continuous glucose monitor
D) Nebulizer
B) Sequential compression device
Rationale: Sequential compression devices apply rhythmic pressure to improve lymphatic fluid movement.
A patient recovering from cancer treatment has persistent leg swelling and is diagnosed with lymphedema. Which treatment plan is most appropriate?
A) Encouraging prolonged bed rest
B) Wearing compression garments and performing lymphatic massage
C) Administering blood thinners
D) Applying warm compresses and elevating the leg
B) Wearing compression garments and performing lymphatic massage
Rationale: Compression therapy and lymphatic massage help move excess lymph fluid and prevent progression of lymphedema.
Which medication might be prescribed for a lymphedema patient?
A) Antibiotics for secondary infections
B) Antihypertensive medications
C) Anticoagulants
D) Insulin
A) Antibiotics for secondary infections
Rationale: Lymphedema increases the risk of skin infections, so antibiotics may be needed for secondary cellulitis or infections.
A patient with lymphedema wants to prevent worsening swelling. What lifestyle modification is recommended?
A) Avoiding tight clothing and jewelry on the affected limb
B) Restricting fluid intake
C) Applying ice packs regularly
D) Sleeping with the limb in a dependent position
A) Avoiding tight clothing and jewelry on the affected limb
Rationale: Tight clothing and jewelry can restrict lymphatic flow, worsening swelling and fluid retention.
Why is early treatment essential in lymphedema management?
A) To cure the condition
B) To prevent tissue fibrosis and complications
C) To increase lymphatic vessel production
D) To reduce oxygen levels in the affected limb
B) To prevent tissue fibrosis and complications
Rationale: Untreated lymphedema can lead to permanent tissue fibrosis, infections, and severe disability.
A patient with chronic lymphedema develops skin thickening and fibrosis. What is the likely reason?
A) Increased arterial flow
B) Prolonged lymphatic obstruction
C) Autoimmune response
D) Nerve damage
B) Prolonged lymphatic obstruction
Rationale: Long-term lymphatic fluid accumulation causes skin thickening, fibrosis, and loss of tissue elasticity.
