Lymphoedema Care (eBook)

Mary Woods is a qualified nurse with 17 years of clinical experience in the care of patients with secondary lymphoedema.

Lymphoedema Care 1
Contents 7
Preface 11
Acknowledgements 13
Chapter 1 What is Lymphoedema? 17
Introduction 17
Learning objectives 17
The lymphatic system 19
The physiological causes of oedema 20
Types of lymphoedema and their development 22
Diagnosing lymphoedema 26
Conclusion 28
Chapter 2 Risk Factors for the Development of Secondary Lymphoedema 31
Introduction 31
Learning objectives 31
The incidence of lymphoedema 32
Risk factors for the development of lymphoedema 33
Conclusion 41
Chapter 3 Educating the Patient at Risk of Lymphoedema 45
Introduction 45
Learning objectives 45
Educational needs 45
Precautions to minimise the risk of lymphoedema 46
Sources of education and advice 48
Conclusion 52
Chapter 4 Identifying Secondary Lymphoedema 53
Introduction 53
Learning objectives 53
Stages in the development of secondary lymphoedema 54
Clinical features 57
Measuring lymphoedema 59
Conclusion 69
Chapter 5 A Framework for the Assessment of a Patient with Lymphoedema 71
Introduction 71
Learning objectives 71
Principles of assessment 72
Principles of assessment applied to patients with lymphoedema 72
The role of the health-care professional in assessment 77
Conclusion 82
Chapter 6 Care of the Skin 83
Introduction 83
Learning objectives 85
Physiology and function of the skin 85
Healthy skin 87
The effect of lymphoedema upon the skin 87
Caring for the skin 89
Common skin problems 91
Complex skin problems 94
Acute inflammatory episodes 97
Conclusion 101
Chapter 7 Movement and Exercise 103
Introduction 103
Learning objectives 103
The physiological effects of exercise 104
The psychological effects of exercise 105
Movement, function and exercise in lymphoedema 105
Muscular activity 106
Exercise advice for patients 107
The effect of vigorous activity and exercise 107
Limb elevation 109
Simple arm and shoulder exercises 109
Simple leg exercises 109
Conclusion 112
Chapter 8 Lymphatic Drainage 115
Introduction 115
Learning objectives 116
Manual lymphatic drainage 116
Simple lymphatic drainage (SLD) 120
Conclusion 124
Chapter 9 The Role of Compression Therapy in the Management of Lymphoedema 127
Introduction 127
Learning objectives 128
The two phases of lymphoedema management 128
The physiological effects of compression therapy 130
Contraindications for compression therapy 131
The principles of compression therapy 131
Compression garments 132
Compression bandages 139
Conclusion 145
Chapter 10 Additional Treatments Used in the Management of Lymphoedema 147
Introduction 147
Learning objectives 148
CircAid 148
Drug treatment 149
Hyperbaric oxygen 149
Kinesiotaping 150
Low-level laser therapy 152
Pneumatic compression pumps 152
Reid sleeve 153
Surgical treatment of lymphoedema 154
Conclusion 157
Chapter 11 Living with Lymphoedema 159
Introduction 159
Learning objectives 159
Lymphoedema as a chronic condition 160
The impact of lymphoedema 160
The influence of lymphoedema 162
Adapting to lymphoedema 165
Conclusion 169
Chapter 12 Complications of Lymphoedema 171
Introduction 171
Learning objectives 171
Chronic lymphoedema 172
Compression therapy complications 173
Impaired function 173
Lymphorrhoea 174
Malignant disease 177
Pain 178
Psychological morbidity 179
Breast, genital and truncal oedema 179
Venous complications 181
Conclusion 183
Glossary of Terms 185
Useful Addresses and Websites 189
Further Reading 193
Index 195