Mixed Deck — All CLT Topics Flashcards

What is the ethical way to document client information?

Answer: Write clear, respectful, and objective notes

Ethical documentation requires notes to be factual, unbiased, and professional, focusing on observations and interventions rather than personal opinions or judgments. Clear, respectful, and objective records ensure accurate communication among healthcare providers, protect client privacy, and meet legal and ethical standards.

What is the 'safety valve' of the lymphatic system?

Answer: The lymphatic system's reserve capacity to handle excess fluid beyond normal load

The safety valve refers to the lymphatic system's ability to increase flow by 10–20 times above baseline when interstitial fluid accumulates.

What is the main function of the lymphatic system in pediatric clients?

Answer: Immunity and fluid drainage

The lymphatic system in pediatric clients is crucial for both immunity and fluid drainage. It produces and transports immune cells to fight infections and collects excess interstitial fluid, returning it to the bloodstream to prevent swelling and maintain fluid balance throughout the body.

The most common cause of secondary lymphedema worldwide is:

Answer: Filariasis (parasitic infection)

Lymphatic filariasis caused by Wuchereria bancrofti is the most common cause of secondary lymphedema globally, though cancer treatment is the leading cause in the US.

What is the name of the cistern at the base of the thoracic duct where it originates?

Answer: Chyle cistern (cisterna chyli)

The cisterna chyli is a dilated sac in the abdomen that collects lymph from the lower limbs and intestines before it ascends through the thoracic duct.

Which cancer treatment besides surgery carries the highest risk of secondary lymphedema?

Answer: Radiation therapy to regional lymph nodes

Radiation to regional lymph nodes causes fibrosis and scarring of lymphatic vessels and nodes, significantly increasing lymphedema risk, especially combined with surgery.

What part of the brain controls balance and coordination in children?

Answer: Cerebellum

The cerebellum, located at the back of the brain, is primarily responsible for controlling balance and coordination. In children, it plays a critical role in the development of motor skills, enabling them to learn to walk, run, and perform other complex physical activities with precision.

A CLT should advise a breast cancer survivor with arm lymphedema to avoid blood pressure measurements in which arm?

Answer: The affected arm, to avoid compression and potential injury to compromised lymphatics

Blood pressure cuffs apply tourniquet-like compression that can injure fragile lymphatic vessels and trigger a flare in the at-risk or affected arm.

According to the International Society of Lymphology (ISL), Stage 0 lymphedema is characterized by what finding?

Answer: Latent or subclinical condition where transport is impaired but swelling is not yet present

ISL Stage 0 (subclinical) describes impaired lymph transport without visible swelling — patients may report heaviness but volume is still normal.

Which precaution is recommended when performing MLD in the neck and thorax region on a patient with bronchial asthma?

Answer: Monitor for respiratory distress and be prepared to modify or stop treatment

Asthma is a relative contraindication for neck/thorax MLD; treatment can proceed with close respiratory monitoring and readiness to stop if bronchospasm is triggered.

During MLD, the therapist's working phase and resting phase should approximate which ratio?

Answer: Work 50%, rest 50%

The working and resting phases are approximately equal in MLD, mimicking the natural contraction-relaxation cycle of lymphangions.

What should a massage therapist always obtain before starting a session?

Answer: Informed consent from parent/guardian

Before initiating any massage session with a minor, a therapist must obtain informed consent from the child's parent or legal guardian. This is a crucial ethical and legal requirement, ensuring that the guardian understands and approves the proposed treatment plan for the child.

The ankle-brachial index (ABI) threshold below which standard compression therapy is generally contraindicated is:

Answer: Below 0.8

An ABI below 0.8 generally contraindicates standard compression therapy due to significant arterial insufficiency that compression could worsen.

A lymphedema patient who cannot don a compression garment due to strength or dexterity issues may benefit from what device?

Answer: Donning aids (such as donning frames, slippery socks, or rubber grips)

Donning aids and frames allow patients with limited hand strength or range of motion to independently apply compression garments, supporting self-care adherence.

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.

What is the difference between primary and secondary lymphedema?

Answer: Primary results from developmental lymphatic abnormalities; secondary results from damage to an intact system

Primary lymphedema results from congenital or developmental abnormalities of lymphatic vessels, while secondary lymphedema occurs when an otherwise normal system is damaged.

Where does the right lymphatic duct empty into the circulation?

Answer: Right subclavian vein

The right lymphatic duct empties lymph from the right upper quadrant into the right subclavian vein at the venous angle.

The intensive (Phase I) of CDT is typically conducted for how long?

Answer: 2–4 weeks of daily treatment

The intensive CDT phase usually involves daily MLD and compression bandaging for 2–4 weeks until maximum volume reduction is achieved and the patient is fitted for a compression garment.

Precautionary measures recommended to reduce lymphedema risk after breast cancer treatment include all of the following EXCEPT:

Answer: Avoiding air travel entirely for life

Current evidence does not support avoiding air travel; patients are advised to wear compression garments during flights but need not avoid flying.

For patients flying with lymphedema, what compression intervention is recommended?

Answer: Wearing a well-fitted compression garment during the flight and staying hydrated and mobile

Wearing a compression garment during flights counteracts the effects of reduced cabin pressure and prolonged immobility, which increase edema risk in lymphedema patients.