Lymphatic System Flashcards

1
Q

Components of Lymphatic System

A

Lymphatic Vessels > Lymphatic Collectors > Lymphatic trunks

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2
Q

How many main lymphatic trunks are there?

A

2 main lymphatic trunks.

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3
Q

What is the function of the Right lymphatic trunk?

A

Right lymphatic trunk is responsible for draining lump from R arm and R side of head

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4
Q

What is the function of the thoracic trunk?

A

responsible for draining lymph from the remainder of the body

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5
Q

Where do they lymphatic trunks empty?

A

Empty lymph directly into the venous system via the subclavian veins

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6
Q

Describe Primary lymphedema?

A

Congenital—abnormal development of lymphatic system

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7
Q

Describe Secondary lymphedema.

A

Occurs as a result of disease or injury to the system.

May included trauma, surgery, radiation, tumor growth, multiparity, chronic venous insufficiency or infection

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8
Q

List the three types of insufficienceis in the lymphatic system that may lead to lymphedema

A
  1. Dynamic insufficiency
  2. Mechanical insufficiency
  3. Combined insufficiency
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9
Q

Which insufficiency is the most common?

A

Dynamic insufficiency

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10
Q

Explain dynamic insufficiency

A

Excessive lymph circulating in the system which exceeds transport capacity of lymph system

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11
Q

What does dynamic insufficiency result in?

A

pitting edema

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12
Q

List some examples of dynamic insufficency

A
  1. CHF
  2. Pregnancy
  3. Chronic venous insufficiency
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13
Q

Explain mechanical insufficency

A

Transport capacity of the system is decreased d/t damage to the lymph system

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14
Q

Will mechanical insufficiency also result in pitting edema?

A

No. Mechanical insufficiency results in increased protein-rich lymphedema which is NON-PITTING

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15
Q

Describe combined insufficiency.

A

There is both an increase in lymph fluid + decrease in transport capacity

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16
Q

What is the primary sign of lymphedema?

A

Swelling in the extremities.

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17
Q

True or false: A therapist should take blood pressure on a limb with lymphedema

A

False

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18
Q

When performing circumference measurements, how may circumference points should be taken on the limb?

A

At least seven circumferences

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19
Q

How would a therapist differentiate lymphedema from lipedema?

A

Lipedema: Normal Lymphatic function + Symmetrical Swelling of extremities + (-) Stemmer’s sign

Mostly seen in women

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20
Q

When comparing extremities while measuring the circumference of affected extremity, what would classify the affected extremity as having lymphedema?

A

2-3 cm difference b/t four comparative circumferences on bilateral UE

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21
Q

What is a tell-tale sign of lymphangitis?

A

Red Stripes proximal to the infection site (typically caused by streptococcus)

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22
Q

What are preventative measures for ppl who are at risk for lymphedema?

A
  1. Meticulous skin care/nail care—moisturizer important
  2. Loose fitting clothing/jewelry
  3. Extreme temperatures—no hot tub/saunas above 102 degrees
  4. Lifestyle management—exercise, no heavy lifting
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23
Q

What is Complete Decongestive Therapy for lymphedema?

A

Treatment model that consists of :

  1. Phase I: Intensive acute treatment phase (4-6wks)
  2. Phase II: self-management phase (long-term management)
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24
Q

True or False: patients may need to return to phase I whenever new symptoms appear?

A

True

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25
Q

What are 4 things that CDT consists of?

A
  1. Manual Lymphatic drainage (MLD)
  2. Compression therapy
  3. Exercise
  4. Skin care
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26
Q

The purpose of MLD is?

A

To move lymph around blockages

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27
Q

What should be cleared prior to working on affected areas?

A

Decongest proximal areas and uninvolved areas to prepare area for new lymph

28
Q

What is the purpose of compression therapy?

A

Maintains reduction in edema that is achieved by MLD.

29
Q

What kind of compression bandages are typically used?

A

Short-Stretch bandages

30
Q

True or false: Compression should be apart of every treatment for individuals with lymphedema, edema, and CVI (unless red flags present)

A

True

31
Q

True or false: A patient with mixed arterial and venous disease, and ABI test is indicated to provided information about the safety of using compression on the LE

A

True

32
Q

T or F: Edema affects healing of wounds therefore compression therapy should be initiated asap in the presence of a wound

A

True

33
Q

True or False: Mechanical “Milking” or deep pressure techniques should be used with lymphedema

A

False: these techniques damage superficial capillaries

34
Q

Short bandages have ____ resting pressure and _____ working pressure.

A

Low resting pressure and high resting pressure

This means they are less stretch and more rigid, that increase efficiency of muscle pump during activities

Low resting pressure makes more tolerable to wear

35
Q

High resting bandages (i.e. ace) will ______ superficial lymph capillaries and restrict fluid absorption

A

Occluded

36
Q

How many hours a Day should short-stretch compression bandages be worn?

A

24 hours

37
Q

During Phase I of lymphedema treatment what compression bandages are used?

A

Short-Stretch bandages

38
Q

During Phase II what compression therapy is used?

A

Combination of compression garments (During the day) and compression bandages (during the night)

39
Q

When should compression garments be fitted?

A

Once edema levels have plateaued

40
Q

For lymphedema: short-stretch compression wrap until limb reduction goal reached then ________ to _______ compression garments at ______ to ____ mmHg to 30 to 40 mmHg depending on location and severity of swelling + ability of the patient to don and doff garments

A

high to moderate compression

20 to 30 mmHg

41
Q

Describe the basic exercise guidelines for lymphedema.

A
  1. Start with trunk exercises
  2. Extremity exercises working from proximal joints to distal joints
  3. End with trunk exercises and deep breathing
42
Q

When performing low impact aerobic activities therapist must monitor for what?

A

Lymph overload

43
Q

List signs and symptoms of lymph overload.

A

Discomfort, aching, pain in proximal lymph areas

Change in skin

If any are present , DISCONTINUE exercise

44
Q

What bacterial infections are common with lympedema?

A

Streptococcus and cellulitis

45
Q

True or false: Lymphedema impairs immune system function allow for bacterial and fungal growth

A

True

46
Q

List the contraindications for CDT.

A
  1. Acute infection
  2. Cardiac edema
  3. Diabetes
  4. HTN
  5. Malignancy
  6. Renal insufficiency
  7. DVT
47
Q

What modalities are contraindicated with lymphedema

A

A. Modalities that cause vasodilation (heat, hydrotherapy, saunas, contrast bath, paraffin)

B. Electrotherapeutic modalities greater than 30Hz

48
Q

T or F: If a patient is exercising (Phase II), compression garments should be worn.

A

True

49
Q

If a therapist is using an Intermittent Pneumatic compression the must use caution. What should the therapist perform prior and post IPC?

A

Therapist should perform MLD prior and post IPC.

50
Q

In what stage should you use ICP, if a therapist decides to use it?

A

Stage I lymphedema only: DO NOT use if there is any chagne in skin or subcutaneous tissue, exacerbation of inflammation and fibrosis can occur in Stage II and Stage III

51
Q

What Pneumatic Pressures are contraindicated?

A

> 45 mmHg

52
Q

True or False: IPC pressure should be kept very low to reduce risk of collapse of superficial capillaries

A

True

53
Q

True or false: With IPC each patient should be carefully examined and BP readings should be taken before each treatment

A

True

54
Q

True or false: Increasing oral peripheral resistance with IPC will increase the work of the heart, increasing BP.

A

True

55
Q

Filariasis

A
  • Disease caused by parasitic infection
  • seen in tropical climates
  • one of most common causes of secondary lymphedema
56
Q

Hyperkeratosis

A

Thickening of the outermost layer of the skin (usually occurs stage III)

57
Q

Lymphadenitis

A

Infection and inflammation of a lymph node (may be acute or chronic)

58
Q

Lymphadenopathy

A

Disease that affects the size, number or consistency of them lymph nodes

59
Q

Lymphangitis

A

Infection and inflammation of lymphatic system pathways

60
Q

Name this disease: An inherited type of primary lymphedema that typically presents in infancy. BLE edema is most common symptom of this disease.

A

Milroy’s disease

61
Q

Non-pitting edema

A

harder and not compressible when pressure applied

Observed with stage III

62
Q

Papilloma

A

Benign wart-like skin growth that is typically observed in stage III

63
Q

A test used to aid in teh dx of lymphedema. It is (+) if skin at the dorsal base of 2nd finger/toe can’t be easily lifted away from the bone, which indicates thickening of the skin due to fibrotic changes. What test is being described?

A

Stemmer’s Sign

64
Q

Lipodermatosclerosis

A

Thickening and hardening of the subcutaneous tissue and brown skin discoloration

65
Q

Lymphangiectasia

A

Dilation of lymph vessels, may appear as blister like protuberances

66
Q

Lymphorrhea

A

Leakage of lymph from the skin surface

67
Q

Contraindications for IPC?

A
  1. HTN (>140/90)
  2. Acute inflammation or trauma
  3. Local infection
  4. DVT
  5. Cardiac or kidney dysfunction
  6. Obstructed lymphatic channels
  7. Impaired cognitive function