Unlock hundreds more features
Save your Quiz to the Dashboard
View and Export Results
Use AI to Create Quizzes and Analyse Results

Sign inSign in with Facebook
Sign inSign in with Google

Master your knowledge: Oncology Lymphedema Assessment Quiz

Challenge yourself with targeted lymphedema evaluation

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art depicting questions and answers for Oncology Lymphedema Assessment Quiz.

Ready to strengthen your expertise in oncology lymphedema? This interactive oncology lymphedema assessment quiz offers a quick, engaging way to test current knowledge on diagnosis, staging, and measurement techniques. Ideal for nurses, therapists, and medical students seeking practical review, it's fully editable in our quizzes editor to customize difficulty and focus areas. For a broader scope, check out the Hematology and Oncology Nursing Quiz or challenge yourself with the Oncology Statistics Trivia Quiz. Start advancing your clinical skills today!

Which of the following is a common risk factor for developing oncologic lymphedema?
Osteoarthritis
Axillary lymph node dissection
Hypertension
Diabetes mellitus
Removal of lymph nodes during procedures like axillary dissection disrupts normal lymphatic drainage and is a primary risk factor for secondary lymphedema in oncology patients.
A positive Stemmer's sign is characterized by:
Inability to pinch a skin fold at the base of the second toe
Pain elicited by dorsiflexion of the ankle
Increased capillary refill time
A palpable thrill over lymphatic channels
Stemmer's sign is positive when you cannot lift or pinch a fold of skin at the base of a digit, indicating dermal thickening seen in lymphedema.
Which clinical sign is most indicative of lymphedema rather than venous edema?
Non-pitting edema
Dependent rubor
Jugular venous distention
Skin venous distention
Lymphedema typically presents as non-pitting edema due to protein-rich fluid and tissue fibrosis, whereas venous edema often pits on pressure.
What is the recommended initial method for limb volume assessment in a clinical setting?
MRI volumetry
Circumferential tape measurement
Water displacement volumetry
Bioimpedance spectroscopy
Circumferential tape measurement is the most accessible, cost-effective, and practical first-line method for estimating limb volume in clinical practice.
In lymphedema staging, Stage I is defined by which characteristic?
No visible swelling but impaired lymph flow
Skin tissue hardening and fibrotic changes
Non-pitting edema that is irreversible
Pitting edema that reduces with limb elevation
Stage I lymphedema features pitting edema that subsides with elevation, reflecting early accumulation of lymphatic fluid without permanent tissue changes.
Which of the following lymphatic assessment scales uses bioimpedance spectroscopy to quantify extracellular fluid?
Stemmer's index
Godoy & Godoy scale
ISL staging scale
L-Dex
The L-Dex system uses bioimpedance spectroscopy to measure extracellular fluid changes and detect subclinical lymphedema.
A patient's limb volume difference is measured as 15% compared to the contralateral limb. How is the lymphedema severity classified?
Severe
Subclinical
Moderate
Mild
A volume difference of less than 20% is categorized as mild lymphedema, while moderate is 20 - 40% and severe is over 40%.
Which of the following is a key distinguishing feature between lymphedema and deep vein thrombosis?
DVT shows a positive Stemmer's sign
Lymphedema has a positive Homan's sign
DVT presents with non-pitting edema
Lymphedema typically has gradual onset and minimal pain
Lymphedema often develops gradually and is usually painless, whereas DVT presents acutely with pain and other vascular signs.
When using a perometer for limb volume measurement, the instrument uses which principle?
Direct circumferential measurements
Magnetic resonance imaging
Displacement of water
Infrared optical scanning
A perometer employs infrared light to scan limb contours and calculate volume noninvasively and rapidly.
A patient shows non-pitting edema and skin thickening that does not reduce with elevation. This presentation suggests which stage of lymphedema?
Stage 0
Stage II
Stage I
Stage III
Stage II lymphedema is characterized by spontaneously irreversible non-pitting edema and tissue changes that do not improve with elevation.
Which of the following is NOT a common risk factor for secondary lymphedema?
Tumor compression
Infection of lymph nodes
Primarily genetic lymphatic dysfunction
Radiation therapy
Primary genetic lymphatic dysfunction causes primary lymphedema, whereas secondary lymphedema is due to surgery, radiation, infection or malignancy compression.
Which assessment tool grades lymphedema severity based on clinical signs and symptoms into mild, moderate, and severe categories?
Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) lymphedema grades
International Physical Activity Questionnaire
Godet's pitting scale
Stemmer's sign
The CTCAE includes specific lymphedema grading based on clinical presentation and impact on function, categorizing severity levels.
A perometry reading shows a 500 mL difference in arm volume. If the baseline volume is 2000 mL, what percentage increase does this represent?
10%
30%
25%
15%
The percentage increase is calculated as (500 ÷ 2000) × 100 = 25%, indicating a moderate volumetric change.
In a patient with suspected lymphedema, which finding would be most suggestive of an alternative diagnosis like lipedema?
Non-pitting edema that worsens with activity
Unilateral swelling with positive Stemmer's sign
History of lymph node dissection
Painful symmetric fat deposition sparing the feet
Lipedema is characterized by symmetric, painful fat accumulation in the legs, typically sparing the feet, differentiating it from lymphedema.
Which of the following is the main advantage of bioimpedance spectroscopy in lymphedema assessment?
Assessment of fibrosis severity
Early detection of subclinical fluid changes
Measurement of skin texture changes
Direct imaging of lymphatic vessels
Bioimpedance spectroscopy can detect small changes in extracellular fluid volume before clinical swelling is apparent, aiding early intervention.
A clinician measures eight circumferences every 4 cm along the arm and uses the frustum formula to calculate limb volume. Which assumption is inherent in this method?
Limb segments approximate truncated cones
Constant lymphatic flow rates
Equal circumference at each segment
Uniform tissue density throughout
The frustum formula models each measured segment as a truncated cone, using adjacent circumferences and the distance between them to estimate volume.
A patient has a preoperative limb volume of 1800 mL and postoperative volume of 2200 mL. Calculate the percentage increase and classify the severity.
20% increase, severe lymphedema
18% increase, mild lymphedema
25% increase, severe lymphedema
22.2% increase, moderate lymphedema
The increase is (2200 - 1800) ÷ 1800 × 100 = 22.2%, which falls into the moderate category of 20 - 40% volume increase.
Which International Society of Lymphology (ISL) staging criterion differentiates Stage III lymphedema from Stage II?
Reversible pitting edema that reduces with elevation
Presence of lymphostatic elephantiasis with significant fibrotic changes
Subclinical swelling without visible edema
Non-pitting edema that partially responds to compression
Stage III lymphedema, or lymphostatic elephantiasis, is marked by pronounced fibrosis, skin changes, and often papillomatosis, beyond Stage II features.
In interpreting bioimpedance spectroscopy results, an L-Dex score of +15 indicates:
Severe fibrosis requiring surgical intervention
Inconclusive results needing repeat measurement
Abnormal extracellular fluid level consistent with lymphedema
Normal fluid levels with no clinical significance
An L-Dex score above +10 is considered outside the normal range and suggests elevated extracellular fluid consistent with lymphedema.
A patient with unilateral leg swelling has the following findings: gradual onset, Stemmer's sign positive, circumferential difference of 2 cm at 10 cm above the knee, and L-Dex score +8. What is the most appropriate next step?
Initiate complete decongestive therapy
Start high-dose diuretics
Order Doppler ultrasound to rule out DVT
Advise leg elevation only and re-evaluate in 6 months
Given clinical signs, measurement differences, and positive Stemmer's sign, lymphedema is confirmed and complete decongestive therapy should be initiated.
0
{"name":"Which of the following is a common risk factor for developing oncologic lymphedema?", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/QPREVIEW","txt":"Which of the following is a common risk factor for developing oncologic lymphedema?, A positive Stemmer's sign is characterized by:, Which clinical sign is most indicative of lymphedema rather than venous edema?","img":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/3012/images/ogquiz.png"}

Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify common risk factors and clinical signs of oncologic lymphedema
  2. Analyze patient history and examination data to determine lymphedema stage
  3. Apply accurate limb measurement and volume assessment techniques
  4. Evaluate appropriate assessment scales for lymphedema severity grading
  5. Demonstrate comprehension of differential diagnoses for limb swelling
  6. Master interpretation of assessment findings to inform treatment planning

Cheat Sheet

  1. Recognize oncologic lymphedema risk factors - From extensive surgeries and targeted radiation to infections and higher BMI, these sneaky culprits can tip the scales toward swelling. Spotting them early gives you a head start on prevention strategies and keeps you a step ahead of lymphedema. Lymphedema (PDQ®) - NCI
  2. Identify clinical signs - Limb swelling, heavy or tight sensations, limited motion, and repeat infections are your red flags. Catching these early can make management smoother and more effective, turning you into a symptom-detecting pro. Lymphedema (PDQ®) - NCI
  3. Stage lymphedema with confidence - Use patient history and physical exams to slot lymphedema into ISL Stages 0 - III. Knowing whether you're dealing with early, moderate, or advanced swelling helps tailor treatment like a boss. Best Practice Guidelines in Assessment, Risk Reduction, Management, and Surveillance for Post-Breast Cancer Lymphedema - PMC
  4. Master limb measurement techniques - Circumferential measurements at key landmarks keep your data consistent and your assessments reliable. With steady tape placement, you'll track limb changes like a science sleuth. Best Practice Guidelines in Assessment, Risk Reduction, Management, and Surveillance for Post-Breast Cancer Lymphedema - PMC
  5. Explore advanced volume tools - Perometry uses infrared beams to sculpt a 3D limb model and give you precise volume numbers. Embracing tech-driven tools can seriously level up your assessment accuracy. Best Practice Guidelines in Assessment, Risk Reduction, Management, and Surveillance for Post-Breast Cancer Lymphedema - PMC
  6. Use grading scales wisely - Combine ISL staging with volume differences to classify mild, moderate, or severe lymphedema. Clear grading sets the stage for targeted interventions that really work. Best Practice Guidelines in Assessment, Risk Reduction, Management, and Surveillance for Post-Breast Cancer Lymphedema - PMC
  7. Perform differential diagnosis - Swollen limbs might also signal venous issues, DVT, or lipedema. Ruling out look-alikes ensures your treatment plan hits the right target every time. Diagnosis and Staging of Lymphedema - PMC
  8. Interpret findings for treatment - Combine history, exam notes, and measurement data to build a custom care roadmap. A thorough evaluation turns your treatment plan from guesswork into precision medicine. Diagnosis and Staging of Lymphedema - PMC
  9. Leverage imaging techniques - Lymphoscintigraphy, ultrasound, and MRI unlock high-definition views of lymph function and structure. These imaging superheroes boost your diagnostic and staging accuracy. Diagnosis and Staging of Lymphedema - PMC
  10. Follow clinical practice guidelines - Early detection, patient education, and a multidisciplinary squad are your secret weapons in lymphedema care. Staying up to date makes you the ultimate guide for lasting management success. Clinical practice guidelines for the care and treatment of breast cancer: 11. Lymphedema - PMC
Powered by: Quiz Maker