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 causes a positive Stemmer sign that is relevant to skin assessment in lymphedema?
Answer: Inability to pinch a fold of skin at the base of the second toe or finger due to subcutaneous fibrosis
A positive Stemmer sign occurs when subcutaneous fibrosis prevents the examiner from picking up a skin fold, confirming lymphedema as opposed to other edemas.
Which skin care practice should lymphedema patients specifically AVOID?
Answer: Using saunas, hot tubs, and prolonged sun exposure on the affected limb
Heat from saunas, hot tubs, and prolonged sun exposure increases capillary filtration and lymphatic load, worsening swelling in a lymphatic system already operating at reduced capacity.
What nail care practice is recommended for lymphedema patients to prevent infection?
Answer: Trim nails straight across with clean clippers and avoid cutting cuticles
Trimming nails straight across prevents ingrown nails while preserving the cuticle barrier, which protects against bacterial and fungal entry in immunologically vulnerable tissue.
Why is tattooing or piercing contraindicated in a lymphedematous limb?
Answer: It creates open wounds in tissue with impaired immunity, dramatically increasing cellulitis risk
Needles introduce bacteria into immunologically compromised tissue, where protein-rich stagnant fluid provides an ideal bacterial growth medium, greatly elevating cellulitis risk.
What is the recommended approach to fungal infections (tinea pedis) between toes in lower extremity lymphedema?
Answer: Treat promptly with antifungal medication and keep interdigital spaces dry
Fungal infections break the skin barrier between toes, creating entry points for Streptococcal bacteria that commonly trigger cellulitis episodes in lymphedema patients.
Which insect repellent practice is recommended for lymphedema patients spending time outdoors?
Answer: Apply DEET-based repellent to clothing and non-affected skin; cover the affected limb with protective clothing
Insect bites on a lymphedematous limb can introduce infection; covering the limb with clothing and applying repellent to unaffected skin and clothing reduces bite risk without chemical exposure on vulnerable skin.