M8: 3 Flashcards
Accumulation of fluid with lymphedema is usually due to
Mechanical insufficiency of the lymphatic system
Primary lymphedema caused by
Congenital or hereditary condition
Secondary lymphedema caused by
Some insult to the lymphatic system
- surgery
- radiation therapy
- trauma
- worm infestation
- tumor growth
- iatrogenic
- infection
- chronic venous insufficiency
Common s/s of lymphedema
- HEAVINESS
- swelling
- n/t
- pressure or tightness of skin
- susceptibility to infection
- fibrosis
- lymphatic cysts/fistulas
- impaired wound healing
Etc etc etc
What is the limb at risk
Extremity closest to the lymph vessel disruption
Risk factors for secondary lymphedema
- age
- obesity
- infection
Initiation factors for lymphedema
stimulus that causes varies
- pressure changes
- skin integrity insult
- BW change
- fluid volume change
Prevention strategies for lymphedema
- avoid trauma/injury to reduce infection risk
- exercise regularly
- avoid constriction
- compression garments
- avoid temp extremes
What does “pitting” edema imply?
ACUTE
Fluid is still able to move
What does “non-pitting” imply?
CHRONIC
Fluid is now dense and less likely to move
CDT =
Complete Decongestive Therapy
2 phases of CDT
- Treatment
2. Self-management
When is edema clinically detectable?
Only once interstitial tissue volume reaches 30% above normal
Edema: 1+
Barely detectable
Edema: 2+
- Slight indentation visible when skin is depressed
- indentation remains after depression
