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16 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What is lymphedema?
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The accumulation of protein rich fluids in the superficial system of the skin resulting in dwelling.
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Why are diuretics ineffective at controlling swelling due to lymphedema?
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They remove the water, leaving the protein and fat leading to fibrotic areas of tissue that may be sources of infection.
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What are the symptoms of lymphedema?
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Gradual onset of swelling that gets progressively worse over days, weeks, and sometimes years.
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Does lymphedema decrease overnight?
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Some, but the swelling gradually becomes more pronounced
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What happens as swelling becomes more pronounced? What are some complications of lymphedema?
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The limb becomes heavy and painful. Rom is limited. Episodes of cellulitis. Thickening of the skin. Maceration from leaking fluid, wounds that due not heal, and in some cases....malignancy.
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Two types of lypmohedema
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1. Primary - congenital. Can develop at any time on a perwon's lifetime
2. Secondary - damage of the lymph system due to sx, obesity, infection, pvd, autoimmune disorders. |
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What is the most effective tx for lymphedema today?
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CDT
Complete decongestive therapy |
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How long has complete decongestive therapy been available?
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60 yrs in Europe & 20 years in the USA
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What does CDT (complete decongestive therapy) include?
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Manual lymph drainage (MLD)
Sequential vasopneumatic compression pumping Compression bandaging |
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What are the patient's responsibilities in complete decongestive therapy?
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Exercise
Maintaining meticulously clean skin Diet/nutritional needs |
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What is manual lymph drainage? (MLD)
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Slow, rhythmic massage technique that opens alternate lymph vessels and preps them to accept additional lymph fluid from the affected limb during treatments.
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What two types of massage are contraindicated with lymphedema?
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Traditional and retrograde massage
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How long does it take?
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First visit is about and hour and a half
Subsequent visits are 2-3 hours |
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What do we do at the first visit?
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Look t family history, take measurements of the limb, develop a treatment plan specific to the patients needs
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Can lymphedema be cured?
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No, but with CDT AND MLD the potential for achieving and maintaining a near normal limb is excellent!
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Name 3 absolute contraindications for compression therapy
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Cardiac edema
Arterial disease Acute infection |
