The nurse is sending a client to be fitted for a compression garment for the treatment of lymphedema after having a mastectomy and node dissection. What does the nurse inform the client that will do to decrease the edema? Select all that apply

Question

A) Increases local tissue pressure
B) If worn for 30 days continuously, will permanently reduce the edema
C) Decreases the stretching of the skin
D) Helps muscles to propel lymphatic drainage
E) Prevents tissue refilling with an excess volume of lymph

Answer 1

A, C, D, E
Feedback:
A compression garment, which consists of multiple layers of elastic material with proximal to distal compression gradation, increases local tissue pressure, decreases stretching of the skin, assists muscles to propel lymphatic drainage, and prevents tissue refilling with an excess volume of lymph. Because the lymph nodes have been removed, the condition will not be able to be permanently reduced by using the garment.