Lymphedema Flashcards
1
Q
Rate of lymph flow?
A
6-10 contractions per minute
increase 10 fold when edema is present
2
Q
lymphatic watersheds
A
areas that are crossed by lymphatic capillaries with anastomoses for draining pathways across watershed
3
Q
Problem with osmotic pressure in lymphedema
A
increases in interstitial space due to decreased protein uptake resulting in decreased absorption/edema
4
Q
Acute edema / chronic edema effect on skin
A
acute - pitting
chronic - fibrosis
5
Q
stemmer sign
A
indicates lymphedema
pull skin over 2nd-3rd toes on dorsum of foot, + if can’t pinch skin
6
Q
Complete decongestive therapy
A
MLD Compression bandaging skin care exercise patient education
7
Q
Contraindications to MLD
A
acute infection renal/cardiac edema DVT malignancy 4 weeks post radiation HTN
8
Q
Technique for MLD
A
open central channels first then work proximal to distal
repeat 5-7 x each segment
