Bioimpedance Lymphedema Quiz: Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) Facts

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary aim of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?

To redirect lymph fluid away from swollen areas towards the healthy lymphatics (correct)

To help reduce pain and discomfort

To reduce the hardness of the tissues (fibrosis)

To improve the condition of scars

Which of the following is NOT a contraindication for receiving MLD treatment?

Active cancer treatment such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy

Open wounds

Chronic Heart Failure

Acute injuries (correct)

How long does a typical MLD session last?

30-60 minutes (correct)

20-30 minutes

10-20 minutes

60-90 minutes

Which of the following areas of the body can MLD be particularly useful for when swelling is present?

Abdomen and genitals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of MLD?

Increasing swelling in the treated area Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key component of lymphedema management?

Radiation therapy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which manual lymph drainage aids in fluid removal?

It stimulates superficial lymphatic vessels to remove excess interstitial fluid Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of complete decongestive therapy (CDT)?

Liposuction Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of manual lymph drainage in the context of complete decongestive therapy?

To improve fluid removal from congested areas where lymphatics are not working properly Signup and view all the answers

During the Phase I (Reductive) stage of CDT, how often is treatment typically performed?

Daily (5 days/week) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about manual lymph drainage is NOT true?

It is performed by untrained individuals Signup and view all the answers

What is the second mechanism by which manual lymph drainage aids in fluid removal?

It moves fluid through subepidermal channels formed when lymphatics are damaged Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) in the context of lymphedema?

To measure the resistance to electrical current in the limb Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of tonometry in assessing lymphedema?

To evaluate the degree of firmness or fibrosis in tissues Signup and view all the answers

How does lymphedema affect skin texture according to the text?

It leads to skin inflammation and hardening Signup and view all the answers

What does Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) for lymphedema consist of?

Initial reductive phase followed by a maintenance phase Signup and view all the answers

Which method is used to determine if more fluid exists in a limb compared to its counterpart?

Bioimpedance Spectroscopy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of Phase I in Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)?

Improving skin texture and reducing limb size Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

A component of lymphedema management, often used with skin care, compression garments, exercise, and multi-layer lymphedema bandaging (MLLB)
Not a cure, but part of a treatment program
Involves light, rhythmic, and pumping hand movements to stretch skin and stimulate lymphatic system to drain more efficiently

Goals of MLD

Redirect lymph fluid away from swollen areas to healthy lymphatics
Useful for areas where compression garments can't be worn (e.g., armpit, breast, chest, back, abdomen, genitals, head, and neck)
Reduce hardness of tissues (fibrosis)
Improve scar condition
Help reduce pain/discomfort

Contraindications of MLD

Active cancer treatment (e.g., radiotherapy, chemotherapy)
Acute infection or recent history of thrombosis, tuberculosis, or untreated heart problems
Chronic Heart Failure
Fever
Local infection
Swollen lymph glands
Red streaks from infection site to lymph nodes
Acute inflammation
Acute injuries
Recent surgery
Rash
Skin infections
Open wounds

MLD Treatment Duration and Frequency

Individual sessions vary, but generally take 30-60 minutes
Goals of treatment:
- Decrease swelling
- Increase lymph drainage from congested areas
- Reduce skin fibrosis and improve skin condition
- Enhance patient's functional status
- Relieve discomfort and improve quality of life
- Reduce risk of cellulitis

Components of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)

Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
Compression Bandaging
Compression Garments
Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Therapy (IPC)
Lymphatic Exercise
Skin Care
Aquatic Exercise
Education in Lymphedema Self-Management

Phases of CDT

Phase I (Reductive): Daily treatment (5 days/week) until fluid volume reaches a plateau (3-8 weeks)
Phase II: Self-management program including self-lymph home lymphatic exercises, skin care, and compression garments or bandages

Effect of CDT

Reduce fluid volume
Improve skin condition
Enhance functional status
Relieve discomfort and improve quality of life
Reduce risk of cellulitis

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Learn about manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) as an aspect of lymphedema management, which involves light, rhythmical hand movements to stimulate the lymphatic system. Understand how MLD works in combination with other treatments for lymphedema.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Lymphedema Management

Choose a study mode