Venous & Lymphatic Disease

Question 1

what are the most common diseases of the lymphatic system

Answer 1

lymphadenopathy
lymphedema
cancers involving the lymphatic system

Question 2

what is lymphadenopathy

Answer 2

enlargement of the lymph nodes

Question 3

what is lymphedema

Answer 3

swelling due to lymph blockage

Question 4

what is chronic venous insufficiency

Answer 4

it is a medical condition in which blood pools in the veins

Question 5

how can cases of chronic venous insufficiency be improved

Answer 5

cases can be improved with treatments to the superficial venous system or stunting the deep system

Question 6

state complications of untreated venous insufficiency

Answer 6

recruitment of veins
deep vein thrombosis
venous ulceration
secondary lymphedema
chronic pain
swelling
recurrent cellulite
ulcer crusis

Question 7

describe changes of chronic venous insufficiency

Answer 7

untreated venous insufficiency in the deep or superficial system causes a progressive syndrome - chronic venous insufficiency

Question 8

what can chronic venous insufficiency cause

Answer 8

characteristic changes, called lipodermatosclerosis, to the skin of the lower extremities, which can lead to eventual skin ulceration

Question 9

what is venous insufficiency

Answer 9

it is a condition where veins have trouble sending blood from your limbs back to the heart

Question 10

describe venous insufficiency

Answer 10

blood does not flow back properly to the heart, causing blood to pool in the veins in your legs

Question 11

what is the most common cause of venous insufficiency

Answer 11

blood clots

Question 12

what is venous insufficiency most often caused by

Answer 12

blood clots and varicose veins

Question 13

describe how blood clots cause venous insufficiency

Answer 13

blood builds up below the clot, which can lead to venous insufficiency

Question 14

state risk factors for venous insufficiency

Answer 14

blood clots
varicose veins
obesity
pregnancy
smoking
cancer
muscular weakness
leg injury
trauma
swelling of a superficial vein
family history of venous insufficiency
inactivity

Question 15

state symptoms of venous insufficiency

Answer 15

oedema
pain - gets worse on standing, gets better on raising
leg cramps
aching, throbbing or a feeling of heaviness in your legs
itchy legs
weak legs
thickening of the skin on your legs or ankles
skin that is changing colour, especially around the ankles
leg ulcers
varicose veins
a feeling of tightness in your calves

Question 16

describe venous insufficiency diagnosis

Answer 16

physical examination
complete medical history
imaging tests
venogram - IV contrast dye into your veins
duplex ultrasound - used to test the speed and direction of blood flow in your veins

Question 17

describe medication treatment for venous insufficiency

Answer 17

diuretics
anticoagulants
pentoxifylline

Question 18

describe surgical treatment for venous insufficiency

Answer 18

surgical repair of veins or valves
removing the damaged vein
minimally invasive endoscopic surgery
vein bypass
laser surgery
ambulatory phlebotomy
sclerotherapy
catheter procedures

Question 19

what is a vein bypass

Answer 19

a healthy vein is transplanted from somewhere else in your body

Question 20

describe laser surgery treatment for venous insufficiency

Answer 20

lasers either fade or close the damaged vein with strong surges of light in a small, specific place

Question 21

describe ambulatory phlebotomy

Answer 21

numbing certain spots on your legs, making small pricks and removing smaller varicose veins

Question 22

describe sclerotherapy

Answer 22

a chemical is injected into the damaged vein so that it is no longer able to carry blood, blood will then return to the heart through other veins, and the damaged vein will eventually be absorbed by the body

Question 23

describe catheter procedure treatment of venous insufficiency

Answer 23

a catheter is inserted into the vein, the end is heated and then the catheter is removed, the heart will cause the vein to close and seal as the catheter is taken out

Question 24

describe ways of improving blood flow

Answer 24

keeping your legs elevated
wearing compression stockings
keeping your legs uncrossed
exercising regularly

Question 25

what is the most common treatment of venous insufficiency

Answer 25

prescription compression stockings

Question 26

state 5 ways to prevent venous insufficiency

Answer 26

don't sit or stand in one position for too long
get up and move around frequently
do not smoke
exercise regularly
maintain a healthy body weight