Phase II self-management of primary lymphedema includes which practices?

• A. Skin care, use of a compression garment during the day, exercise, lymphedema bandaging at night, and manual lymph drainage as needed.
• B. Skin care and compression garment during the day only.
• C. Exercise and lymphedema bandaging at night.
• D. Manual lymph drainage and skin care only.

Answer: (A)

Phase II self-management focuses on maintaining lymph flow and reducing edema at home by combining several coordinated practices. Daily skin care helps prevent infections and skin breakdown, which is crucial because skin integrity protects the limb during ongoing management. Wearing a compression garment during the day keeps tissue pressure up, helping to minimize fluid buildup between treatments. Regular exercise, especially movements that activate the calf muscles, boosts lymphatic return and supports overall fluid balance. At night, lymphedema bandaging provides sustained pressure to further reduce stored fluid and help the limb settle into a more consistent shape. Self-administered manual lymph drainage as needed gives a targeted way to move lymph toward areas with functioning drainage.

Together, these elements create a comprehensive home-plan that builds on initial clinical treatment, enabling ongoing control of swelling and protection against infection. The other options miss one or more of these essential components, such as omitting nighttime bandaging, excluding self-MLD, or not including the skin care and daytime compression that are all part of effective Phase II management.