Lymphedema Pathophysiology & Staging Flashcards
6 cards from real CLT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Lymphedema Pathophysiology & Staging flashcards as text
Cellulitis in a lymphedematous limb is dangerous primarily because:
Answer: It causes permanent lymph node damage and worsens lymphedema
Repeated episodes of cellulitis further damage lymphatic vessels and nodes, progressively worsening lymphatic transport capacity and lymphedema severity.
The protein-to-fluid ratio in lymphedema exudate compared to venous edema is:
Answer: Higher in lymphedema
Lymphedema fluid has a high protein concentration (>1.5 g/dL) compared to low-protein venous edema fluid, which is a key diagnostic distinction.
Which condition is a known risk factor for developing breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL)?
Answer: Number of lymph nodes removed during surgery
The number of axillary lymph nodes removed is the strongest predictor of BCRL risk, with axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) carrying much higher risk than sentinel node biopsy.
Lipolymphedema differs from classic lymphedema in that it involves:
Answer: Abnormal fatty tissue deposits combined with lymphatic dysfunction
Lipolymphedema involves abnormal subcutaneous fat deposition (lipedema) combined with secondary lymphatic insufficiency due to increased tissue volume.
In the context of lymphedema, 'fibrosis' is best described as:
Answer: Replacement of soft tissue with dense collagen due to chronic protein accumulation
Lymphedema fibrosis is the progressive replacement of normal soft tissue with dense collagen matrix, driven by chronic protein-rich fluid and inflammatory mediators.
Truncal lymphedema following breast cancer treatment most commonly presents:
Answer: On the ipsilateral chest wall, breast, and axillary region
Post-breast cancer truncal lymphedema typically involves the ipsilateral chest wall, breast, and axilla due to disruption of axillary lymphatic drainage.