CLT Complete Decongestive Therapy & Patient Self-Care

Question 1

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) consists of how many primary components?

Accepted Answer

Four: MLD, compression bandaging, remedial exercise, and skin/nail care

Answer

CDT comprises four essential components: Manual Lymphatic Drainage, multi-layer compression bandaging, remedial exercise, and meticulous skin and nail care.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

2–4 weeks of daily treatment

Answer

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.

Question 3

The maintenance (Phase II) of CDT is the patient's lifelong responsibility and involves what primary regimen?

Accepted Answer

Daily self-MLD, compression garment wear, exercise, and skin care

Answer

Phase II is lifelong self-management including daily self-MLD, daytime compression garment wear, therapeutic exercise, and skin hygiene to prevent flare-ups.

Question 4

Which type of exercise is specifically recommended during the intensive CDT phase with compression bandaging in place?

Accepted Answer

Remedial exercises — gentle, repetitive, rhythmic limb movements

Answer

Gentle remedial exercises such as ankle pumps, knee bends, and shoulder rolls activate muscle pumps against the compression bandaging, greatly enhancing lymph propulsion.

Question 5

Skin care in CDT for lymphedema patients focuses on maintaining skin pH at what level and using what type of products?

Accepted Answer

Slightly acidic pH (5–5.5) with low-pH moisturizers and gentle cleansers

Answer

The skin's acid mantle (pH 5–5.5) defends against bacterial and fungal colonization; maintaining it with appropriate products reduces infection risk in the at-risk lymphedema limb.

CLT - Certified Lymphatic Therapist Practice Test

CLT - Certified Lymphatic Therapist Practice Test

CLT Complete Decongestive Therapy & Patient Self-Care