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After undergoing a radical mastectomy, your client/family membermay experience swelling in her affected arm -- even after healing is complete. Why? Because, as shown here, this type of surgery includes lymph node removal. It may also damage blood vessels in the surgical area, permanently impairing blood circulation in the affected arm. Lymph nodes and blood vessels, of course, normally drain body fluids before they accumulate and cause swelling. Damage to these two drainage systems makes your client/family member prone to arm edema. Depending on the degree of circulatory impairment and her own tendency to retain fluids, she may suffer from arm edema periodically or continually.
To help manage arm edema, the health care provider may order an arm sleeve with flap and a gauntlet, like those made by Jobst. After being specially measured, the client/family member will receive her own garment from the manufacturer. Instruct her to wear it as the health care provider directs and to carefully review and follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Then, begin applying the sleeve, as shown here. Ask her to insert her arm into the sleeve, so her hand protrudes from the sleeve's tapered end.
When you smooth the sleeve over her elbow, look for a black dot on the sleeve. Make sure this dot rests precisely over the elbow's point.
When you've finished, again check for wrinkles. Because of the sleeve's custom fit, it should be comfortably snug.
Learning About Breast Cancer
Understanding Breast Tumor Staging
Learning About Breast Surgery
Familiarizing Yourself With Diagnostic Techniques
Understanding Fibrocystic Breast Disease
Guide To Types of Mastectomies
Patient Preparation For A Mastectomy
Mastectomy Care After Surgery
Learning About Breast Reconstruction
Selecting A Prosthesis
Preventing Complications After A Mastectomy
MoonDragon's Breast Cancer Information
MoonDragon's Breast Reconstruction Information
MoonDragon's Fibrocystic Breast Changes Information
MoonDragon's Mammography Information
MoonDragon's Mastectomy Information
MoonDragon's Partial Mastectomy Information
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