Stephanie has her cancerous right breast removed, and the surgeon also removes lymph nodes in the axillary region to prevent spread of the cancer. As a result, Stephanie's right arm
A)loses its blood supply.
B)receives too much blood and swells.
C)becomes edematous.
D)loses tissue fluid.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Removal of lymph nodes can cause lymphedema, which is an accumulation of excess fluid in the affected limb, in this case, the right arm. This occurs because lymphatic drainage from the arm is impaired due to the removal of lymph nodes. The arm does not lose its blood supply, nor does it receive too much blood and swell. Additionally, removing lymph nodes does not affect tissue fluid in the arm directly.

Stephanie Has Her Cancerous Right Breast Removed, and the Surgeon