The nurse is caring for a client with lymphedema of the left arm in the clinic

Question

The nurse measures a circumference of the affected extremity 4 cm larger in circumference than the opposite limb, and the client complains of feeling a heaviness and pain. There is limited movement of the left arm. What would the nurse grade and document this lymphedema as? A) Grade I (Mild)
B) Grade II (Moderate)
C) Grade III (Severe)
D) Grade IV (Grossly edematous)

Answer 1

B
Feedback:
Grade II (Moderate), the circumference of affected limb is 4 cm, but not more than 8 cm larger than the unaffected limb; client experiences symptoms such as heaviness in the limb, pain, and limited movement. In Grade I (Mild), the circumference of the affected limb is 2 cm, but not more than 4 cm larger than the unaffected limb; the client is asymptomatic. In Grade III (Severe), the circumference of the affected limb is 8 cm greater than the unaffected limb, involves the entire limb, or is accompanied by infection or cellulitis.