Date of Award
2020
Document Type
Critically Appraised Topic
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Anne Haskins
Second Advisor
Breann Lamborn
Third Advisor
Gail Bass/Devon Olson Lambert
Abstract
In the United States, one in five women who survive breast cancer will develop lymphedema (DiSipio, Rye, Newman, & Hayes, 2013). Lymphedema is the chronic, progressive swelling of tissue due to inadequate lymphatic function. Over time, protein-rich fluid accumulates in the tissue, causing skin and tissue to enlarge (Maclellan & Greene, 2014). This condition often leads to impaired performance of activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) due to this abnormal swelling. Activities of daily living are defined as “activities oriented toward taking care of one’s own body” (Rogers & Holm, 1994, p. S19). Instrumental activities of daily living are defined as “activities that support daily life within the home and community that often require more complex interactions than those used in ADL’s” (AOTA, 2014, p. S19).
Recommended Citation
Blackman, Jessica; Dreiling, Marissa; and Mutziger, Ashley, "Occupational Therapy Lymphedema Management and Its Relationship to Quality of Life" (2020). Critically Appraised Topics. 20.
https://commons.und.edu/cat-papers/20