CLT Pathophysiology of Lymphedema

Question 1

Which stage of lymphedema according to the International Society of Lymphology (ISL) is characterized by pitting edema that resolves completely with limb elevation?

Accepted Answer

Stage I

Answer

ISL Stage I lymphedema presents with pitting edema that subsides with limb elevation, indicating reversible protein-rich swelling without significant fibrosis.

Question 2

What is the primary pathophysiological mechanism that distinguishes lymphedema from other forms of edema?

Accepted Answer

Accumulation of protein-rich fluid due to impaired lymphatic transport

Answer

Lymphedema specifically results from the accumulation of protein-rich interstitial fluid when lymphatic transport capacity is overwhelmed or structurally impaired.

Question 3

Which of the following is the most common cause of secondary lymphedema worldwide?

Accepted Answer

Filariasis (parasitic infection)

Answer

Filariasis caused by Wuchereria bancrofti is the leading cause of secondary lymphedema globally, affecting hundreds of millions of people in tropical regions.

Question 4

In the Starling equilibrium, which forces favor fluid movement OUT of the capillary into the interstitium?

Accepted Answer

Capillary hydrostatic pressure and interstitial oncotic pressure

Answer

Capillary hydrostatic pressure pushes fluid out of capillaries, while interstitial oncotic pressure draws fluid into the interstitium; both forces favor filtration into the tissue.

Question 5

What is the primary protein responsible for generating oncotic pressure within the plasma, and what happens to interstitial protein concentration in chronic lymphedema?

Accepted Answer

Albumin; increases due to impaired lymphatic clearance

Answer

Albumin is the primary plasma protein creating oncotic pressure, and in chronic lymphedema it accumulates in the interstitium because lymphatics cannot remove it, worsening the edema cycle.

CLT - Certified Lymphedema Therapist Practice Test

CLT - Certified Lymphedema Therapist Practice Test

CLT Pathophysiology of Lymphedema