Klose Training Lymphedema 101 Practice Test

A comprehensive lymphedema evaluation begins with gathering the patient's history, performing a thorough physical examination, and inspecting the affected tissues. The history reveals when the swelling started, how it has progressed, and potential contributing factors such as cancer treatments, surgeries, infections, obesity, venous disease, or thyroid or kidney issues. This helps distinguish lymphedema from other causes of swelling and guides initial management decisions. The physical examination provides objective information about the edema itself—its distribution, whether it is unilateral or bilateral, and whether it is pitting or non-pitting—along with functional impact and signs of skin or tissue changes. Measuring limb dimensions or volumes and assessing range of motion, soft-tissue texture, and signs of infection (redness, warmth, pain) help determine severity and urgency of care. Inspection then focuses on the skin and subcutaneous tissue for clues of chronic lymphatic overload, such as thickened skin, hyperkeratosis, fibrosis, or papillomatosis, and for evidence of frequent cellulitis risks. Imaging studies, biopsy, and laboratory tests are not part of the basic evaluation because they’re used selectively to clarify uncertain cases, rule out other conditions, or plan complex interventions. They provide additional detail when needed but are not the fundamental elements needed to establish the presence and characterize the edema initially. Likewise, while vital signs like blood pressure and pulse can inform overall health, they don’t define the core assessment of lymphedema.