A client had a left radical mastectomy with an axillary node dissection 6 months ago and is having a large amount of edema in the left arm down to the fingers. What should the nurse inform the client is the reason for the edema?
A) An accumulation of lymphatic fluid that results from impaired lymph circulation.
B) It is congenitally acquired and is not related to the mastectomy.
C) They are most likely ingesting too much sodium and should be advised to decrease the amount.
D) There is inadequate blood flow from circulatory impairment.
A
Feedback:
Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid that results from impaired lymph circulation. It is a complication resulting from the removal of multiple lymph nodes at the time of mastectomy or radiation for cancer. It may be congenitally acquired, but in this situation, it is secondary and related to the mastectomy. Sodium intake would not be related to the accumulation of lymph fluid and would be generalized. There is not circulatory impairment from decreased blood flow but impaired lymphatic flow.
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