CLT Complete Decongestive Therapy & Compression Bandaging 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Decongestive exercises during CDT are performed while wearing compression bandages because:
- The bandages prevent injury during exercise
- Muscle contractions against resistance of bandages enhance lymphatic pumping (Correct answer)
- Exercise cannot be performed without bandage support
- Bandages prevent sweat from entering the wound
Correct answer: Muscle contractions against resistance of bandages enhance lymphatic pumping
Exercising with compression bandages creates increased working pressure that enhances the pumping effect of muscle contractions on lymphatic vessels.
Question 2: Which type of compression garment is typically prescribed for Phase II maintenance in arm lymphedema?
- Compression bandages worn continuously
- Flat-knit or circular-knit compression sleeves with or without gloves (Correct answer)
- Pneumatic compression devices only
- Tubular bandages applied at home
Correct answer: Flat-knit or circular-knit compression sleeves with or without gloves
Phase II maintenance uses custom or off-the-shelf flat-knit or circular-knit compression sleeves that patients wear during waking hours to sustain Phase I gains.
Question 3: Compression class 2 garments for leg lymphedema provide approximately how much ankle pressure?
- 10–15 mmHg
- 20–30 mmHg
- 30–40 mmHg (Correct answer)
- 50–60 mmHg
Correct answer: 30–40 mmHg
Class 2 compression garments provide 30–40 mmHg at the ankle, commonly prescribed for moderate lymphedema management.
Question 4: Skin care in CDT is essential because lymphedematous skin is at increased risk for:
- Excessive dryness only
- Infection, breakdown, and delayed wound healing due to impaired local immunity (Correct answer)
- Hyperkeratosis only
- Allergic dermatitis from garment materials
Correct answer: Infection, breakdown, and delayed wound healing due to impaired local immunity
Lymphedematous tissue has impaired local immune defense and reduced wound healing capacity, making meticulous skin care critical to prevent cellulitis and breakdown.
Question 5: Pneumatic compression devices (PCDs) used for lymphedema should ideally:
- Replace MLD and bandaging entirely
- Be used as an adjunct to CDT, not as a standalone treatment (Correct answer)
- Apply highest pressure at the proximal limb
- Be used only during the intensive phase
Correct answer: Be used as an adjunct to CDT, not as a standalone treatment
PCDs can augment CDT by mobilizing fluid from the limb but lack the trunk-clearing and rerouting capabilities of MLD, making them adjuncts rather than replacements.
Question 6: Which of the following is a contraindication to compression bandaging in lymphedema?
- Stage I lymphedema
- Active deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (Correct answer)
- Bilateral leg lymphedema
- Skin folds from significant edema
Correct answer: Active deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Active DVT is a contraindication to compression bandaging because compression could dislodge a thrombus, causing pulmonary embolism.
CLT Complete Decongestive Therapy & Compression Bandaging 2
Decongestive exercises during CDT are performed while wearing compression bandages because: