Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) Practice Exam

When treating a patient in a palliative setting, which of the following is true?

1. Patients must be seen at least 5 times a week for success through CDT.

2. Palliative lymphedema care should focus on comfort measures and maximizing quality of life, to the extent possible.

3. Bandaging pressure must be tighter than usual to prevent the progression of the edema.

4. Lymphedema should never be treated in a palliative care setting due to the risk of spreading cancer.

The correct answer is: Palliative lymphedema care should focus on comfort measures and maximizing quality of life, to the extent possible.

In a palliative care setting, the primary focus is on enhancing the quality of life and providing comfort for patients who may be facing serious or terminal illnesses. Therefore, the statement emphasizing that palliative lymphedema care should focus on comfort measures and maximizing quality of life is indeed accurate. The goal is to alleviate suffering and improve the patient's overall well-being, rather than pursuing aggressive treatment strategies that might not be beneficial in the context of the patient's broader condition. In this light, while other treatment options and considerations may exist, the essence of palliative care is about addressing symptoms and providing supportive care tailored to the patient’s preferences and needs. This philosophy underscores the importance of using interventions that prioritize the patient’s comfort, rather than strictly adhering to traditional treatment regimens that might be more relevant in curative settings.