CLT Skin Care & Wound Management 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 CLT Skin Care & Wound Management flashcards as text
What does hyperkeratosis indicate in a patient with lower extremity lymphedema?
Answer: Chronic skin thickening due to prolonged lymphostasis
Hyperkeratosis indicates chronic lymphostasis causing abnormal keratinocyte proliferation, resulting in rough, thickened skin patches that require regular gentle exfoliation.
Which opportunistic infection poses the greatest risk to lymphedema patients and can rapidly worsen the condition?
Answer: Cellulitis (acute bacterial skin infection)
Cellulitis is the most dangerous infection in lymphedema patients because it rapidly spreads through protein-rich lymphedematous tissue, triggers acute inflammatory episodes, and permanently damages remaining lymphatics.
What is the standard first-line treatment for cellulitis in a lymphedema patient?
Answer: Oral or IV antibiotics targeting gram-positive bacteria (e.g., penicillin/amoxicillin)
Cellulitis in lymphedema is almost always caused by Streptococcus or Staphylococcus species, requiring prompt systemic antibiotic therapy targeting gram-positive organisms.
Why is papillomatosis clinically significant in lymphedema management?
Answer: It indicates chronic, undertreated lymphedema requiring intensive CDT intervention
Papillomatosis signals advanced, chronic lymphostasis and indicates the patient needs intensive complete decongestive therapy to reverse fibrotic skin changes.
Which wound dressing type is preferred for managing wounds on a lymphedematous limb?
Answer: Non-adherent, moisture-retentive dressings such as foam or hydrocolloid
Non-adherent, moisture-retentive dressings minimize trauma during dressing changes and maintain an optimal moist wound environment while accommodating lymphedematous skin fragility.
What is lymphorrhea and how should it be managed in lymphedema care?
Answer: Leakage of lymphatic fluid through the skin, managed with absorbent dressings and compression
Lymphorrhea is the oozing of protein-rich lymphatic fluid through the skin surface, and it is managed with absorbent dressings, gentle cleansing, and graduated compression to reduce lymphatic pressure.