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AN INVESTIGATION OF SELF-CARE MODALITIES FOR THE EFFECTIVE TREATMENT OF LYMPHEDEMA.

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Date Issued:
2011
Abstract/Description:
The purpose of this literature review is to investigate the most effective forms of self-care that patients can perform to reduce swelling caused by lymphedema. Lymphedema may occur secondary to lymph node trauma, which makes it difficult for lymph fluid to leave an extremity. Even though lymphedema is more recognized as a side effect of breast cancer treatment, it can also be the result of many other ailments or treatments and can be present in any part of the body. By knowing which therapies are most effective, nurses and other health care professionals can educate patients to help ease the burden caused by this debilitating condition. This thesis discusses the results of clinical trials that studied different methods of self-care including exercises, bandaging, compression garments, sequential compression devices, and performing manual lymphatic drainage. The conclusion derived from the review of multiple studies is that participating in a combination of multiple therapies is the most effective means of lymphedema management and should be considered the ideal standard of care.
Title: AN INVESTIGATION OF SELF-CARE MODALITIES FOR THE EFFECTIVE TREATMENT OF LYMPHEDEMA.
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Name(s): Major, Amber, Author
Heglund, Stephen , Committee Chair
University of Central Florida, Degree Grantor
Type of Resource: text
Date Issued: 2011
Publisher: University of Central Florida
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this literature review is to investigate the most effective forms of self-care that patients can perform to reduce swelling caused by lymphedema. Lymphedema may occur secondary to lymph node trauma, which makes it difficult for lymph fluid to leave an extremity. Even though lymphedema is more recognized as a side effect of breast cancer treatment, it can also be the result of many other ailments or treatments and can be present in any part of the body. By knowing which therapies are most effective, nurses and other health care professionals can educate patients to help ease the burden caused by this debilitating condition. This thesis discusses the results of clinical trials that studied different methods of self-care including exercises, bandaging, compression garments, sequential compression devices, and performing manual lymphatic drainage. The conclusion derived from the review of multiple studies is that participating in a combination of multiple therapies is the most effective means of lymphedema management and should be considered the ideal standard of care.
Identifier: CFH0004065 (IID), ucf:44812 (fedora)
Note(s): 2011-08-01
B.S.N.
Nursing, Dept. of Health Professions
Undergraduate
This record was generated from author submitted information.
Subject(s): lymphedema
self-care
modalities
cancer
lymph
treatment
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004065
Restrictions on Access: public
Host Institution: UCF

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