Lymphedema is best described as which condition?

Lymphedema is best described as which condition?

• A. Bruising
• B. Chronic swelling due to lymphatic fluid buildup
• C. Inflammation of a vein due to clot
• D. Systemic infection

Answer: (B)

Lymphedema is a condition where swelling becomes chronic because lymphatic fluid accumulates in the tissues when the lymphatic drainage system is blocked or damaged. The lymphatic system normally returns excess fluid from tissues to the bloodstream, so disruption leads to persistent swelling, often in limbs. This is different from bruising, which is blood pooling under the skin from damaged vessels; from inflammation of a vein due to a clot, which presents with localized warmth, redness, and tenderness along a vein; and from a systemic infection, which causes fever and widespread signs of illness. Therefore, the best description is chronic swelling resulting from lymphatic fluid buildup.

Lymphedema is a condition where swelling becomes chronic because lymphatic fluid accumulates in the tissues when the lymphatic drainage system is blocked or damaged. The lymphatic system normally returns excess fluid from tissues to the bloodstream, so disruption leads to persistent swelling, often in limbs. This is different from bruising, which is blood pooling under the skin from damaged vessels; from inflammation of a vein due to a clot, which presents with localized warmth, redness, and tenderness along a vein; and from a systemic infection, which causes fever and widespread signs of illness. Therefore, the best description is chronic swelling resulting from lymphatic fluid buildup.