Kisner ch 25 lymphatic disorders Flashcards
What is the primary function of the lymphatic system?
collect and transport fluid from interstitial spaces back to the venous circulation
What can cause lymphatic dysfunction?
congenital or hereditary abnormality , trauma, infection, treatment for cancer
What occurs when the lymphatic system is comprised either by impairment of lymphatic structures orby an overload of lymphatic fluid?
swelling in the tissue spaces
What occurs if the lymphatic system is comprised and does not function efficiently?
lymphedema develops & impedes wound healing
What is lymphedema?
excessive and persistent accumulation of extravascular and extracellular fluid & protein in tissue spaces
How does lymphedema occur?
lymph volume exceeds the capacity of the lymph transport system associated w/ a disturbance of the H2O & protein balance across capillary membranes. An increase of proteins draws larger amounts of H2O into interstitial spaces
What system can load the lymphatic system over its capacity and lead to lymphedema?
cardiopulmonary system can overload the lymphatic system
Describe the lymphatic system in terms of physiology
open system, lymphatic capillaries situated close to blood capillaries pull fluid into the lymphatic circulation, once in the system fluid to lymph nodes to lymph trunks to venous angles
Where are the largest groups of lymph nodes located?
head, neck, around intestines, axilla and groin
What comprises the lymphatic fluid?
water & protein
What is the lymphatic load and capacity?
load= fluid transported capacity = amount the system can handle
True or False. An increased lymphatic load or a decreased lymphatic capacity can cause lymphedema?
true
What can cause increased lymphatic load ?
venous insufficiency b/c the venous system is unable to transport the required amount of fluid
What can cause a decrease in transport capacity of the lymphatic system?
it can be affected w/ pt’s suffering from cancer were the lymph nodes are removed
What are the types of lymphedema?
primary (inherent problem), secondary (injury to structures)
Describe primary lymphedema
uncommon, result of insufficient development (dysplasia) & congenital formation of the system, affects more females than males, often in the extremities LE than UE if not treated can cause skin changes (hyperkeratosis), increased skin folds & skin creases
What are the types of primary lymphedema divided by age?
congenital- “milroy’s diease” present at birth
praecox- (early) develops b4 35yr
tarda- develops after 35yr
Describe 2ndary lymphedema:
most common!, due to comprehensive management of cancers (breast, pelvis, abdomen) caused by injury to the lymphatic structures (surgery, inflammation/infection, obstruction or fibrosis, combined venous-lymphatic dysfunction)
Why may there be a surgical dissection of the lymph nodes?
it is a treatment of a primary malignancy or metastatic disease (ex: axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer to determine extend of the cancer)
What can cause inflammation of the lymph vessels (lympphagitis) or lymph nodes (lymphadentitis) & enlargement of lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy)?
can be a result of a systemic infection or local trauma
Describe dependent peripheral edema
long periods of sitting or standing causes an accumulation of fluids in the peripheral aspects of the limbs, edema decreases if the limbs is elevated, dull or tiredness in the affected extremity
How can chronic venous insufficiency & varicose veins cause lymphatic dysfunction?
b/c they are associated w/ venous statis & accumulation of edema in extremities, over tie the lymphatic system begins to lose efficiency w/ increased workload imposed leads to mixed edema results
What is indicated when a pt w/ lymphedema has a clear, yellow tinged fluid thicker than vascular fluid leaking out of their pores?
the fluid has increased viscosity b/c of increased protein and signals a SEVERE condition
Describe pitting edema and its severity level of lymphedema
1st level, pressure eon edematous tissue causes an indentation of the skin that persists for several seconds after the pressure is removed. demonstrates short term edema w/ no fibrotic changes in skin or subcutaneous tissues
Describe drawing edema and its level of severity
2nd level, feel hard w/ palpation, reflects more severe form of interstitial swelling w/ progressive fibrotic changes in subcutaneous tissues
describe weeping edema and its level of severity
most severe and long duration form of lymphedema, fluid leaks from cuts or sours, wound healing is significantly impaired, almost exclusive to LE
How does increased weight and girth of the affected limb affect the skin?
w/ increased volume and girth the skin becomes more taught and susceptible to breakdown
What are the possible sensory disturbances lymphedema can cause?
paresthesia (tingling, itching, numbness) or occasionally mild, aching pain maybe felt in the fingers or toes but most of the time the pt only perceives the heaviness of the limb
Name the stages of lymphedema and which stages has the greatest possibility for reducing the onset of worsening lymphedema
stage 0- latency stage, stage 1- reversible stage, stage 2-spontaneously irreversible, stage 3- lymhostatic elephantiasis
(((stage 0 may reduce onset of lymphedema)))
Associate the stages of lymphedema the type of edema (severity)
stage 1- soft or pitting edema, stage 2-brawny edema, stage 3- possibly weeping
In what stages of lymphedema has a positive stemmer sign?
stage 2 , 3
describe stage 2 lymphedema
spontaneously irreversible, fibrosis of the tissue, brawny edema, welling is no longer pitting, positive stemmer sign, frequent infections