MLD Compression Therapy & Bandaging 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Short-stretch bandages differ from long-stretch (elastic) bandages primarily in which characteristic?
- Short-stretch bandages can stretch more than 100% of their original length
- Short-stretch bandages have low extensibility (< 70% stretch) and high working pressure (Correct answer)
- Short-stretch bandages are always made of latex materials
- Short-stretch bandages produce consistent resting and working pressures
Correct answer: Short-stretch bandages have low extensibility (< 70% stretch) and high working pressure
Short-stretch bandages have low extensibility (typically less than 70%), producing high working pressure during activity but low resting pressure, making them safe for overnight wear.
Question 2: Foam padding is incorporated into multilayer bandage systems primarily for which reason?
- To increase the overall resting pressure on the limb
- To add antimicrobial protection to the wound bed
- To redistribute pressure evenly and protect bony prominences and skin folds (Correct answer)
- To serve as the outer cohesive layer that holds the system in place
Correct answer: To redistribute pressure evenly and protect bony prominences and skin folds
Foam layers cushion bony prominences, fill concavities, and distribute pressure evenly across irregular limb surfaces, preventing pressure injuries.
Question 3: A patient reports that their compression bandage feels excessively tight and they are experiencing numbness and tingling. What is the MOST appropriate immediate action?
- Encourage the patient to continue wearing it as discomfort is normal
- Apply a topical analgesic to reduce the sensation
- Remove or loosen the bandage immediately and reassess circulation (Correct answer)
- Elevate the limb and wait 30 minutes for adaptation
Correct answer: Remove or loosen the bandage immediately and reassess circulation
Numbness and tingling indicate compromised circulation or nerve compression; the bandage must be removed or loosened immediately to prevent ischemic injury.
Question 4: When educating a patient on self-bandaging for home use, which of the following instructions is MOST important to prevent complications?
- Wear the bandage only during sleep to maximize benefit
- Apply the bandage with maximum possible tension to achieve the best compression
- Inspect the skin daily for signs of redness, blistering, or increased swelling before reapplying (Correct answer)
- Replace the bandages with new ones every day regardless of condition
Correct answer: Inspect the skin daily for signs of redness, blistering, or increased swelling before reapplying
Daily skin inspection identifies early signs of complications such as infection, pressure injuries, or worsening lymphedema before they become serious.
Question 5: Which type of compression garment is generally recommended for a patient with fibrotic (hardened) lymphedema who cannot don a standard sleeve independently?
- Standard circular-knit compression sleeve
- Flat-knit custom-fitted garment with velcro closure wraps (Correct answer)
- Light support hosiery (8–15 mmHg)
- Tubular bandage only
Correct answer: Flat-knit custom-fitted garment with velcro closure wraps
Flat-knit custom garments and adjustable wrap devices are preferred for fibrotic or irregularly shaped limbs because they accommodate volume variations and are easier to apply independently.
Question 6: How frequently should multilayer compression bandages typically be changed during the intensive Phase I of CDT?
- Every 30 minutes during treatment sessions only
- Every 3–7 days as directed by the physician
- Daily or every other day as limb volume decreases (Correct answer)
- Only when the bandage visibly loosens or falls off
Correct answer: Daily or every other day as limb volume decreases
As limb volume decreases rapidly during Phase I, bandages must be reapplied daily or every other day to maintain adequate compression and prevent loosening.
Question 7: Which of the following is the MOST appropriate compression class for a patient with severe lymphedema requiring > 40 mmHg of pressure?
- Class I (15–20 mmHg)
- Class II (20–30 mmHg)
- Class III (30–40 mmHg)
- Class IV (> 40 mmHg) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Class IV (> 40 mmHg)
Class IV compression garments (> 40 mmHg) are indicated for severe lymphedema and are custom-made due to the high compression levels required.
MLD Compression Therapy & Bandaging 2
Short-stretch bandages differ from long-stretch (elastic) bandages primarily in which characteristic?