Question

Stephanie has her cancerous right breast removed, and the surgeon also removes lymph nodes in the axillary region. 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.
E) becomes paralyzed.

Answer 1

Stephanie's right arm becomes edematous due to the removal of lymph nodes in the axillary region, disrupting normal lymph fluid drainage and causing fluid build-up or swelling in the affected limb.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Stephanie has her cancerous right breast removed and the surgeon also removes lymph nodes in the axillary region, the consequence is that Stephanie's right arm becomes edematous. The removal of lymph nodes can disrupt the normal drainage of lymph fluid, which typically drains into the right subclavian vein via the right lymphatic duct. Without proper lymph node function, the fluid can build up in the limb, causing swelling, or edema, as depicted in Figure 15.10 with the patient that has edema in the tissue of the right hand. While other options like losing blood supply or paralysis might occur under different circumstances, in this case, the removal of lymph nodes directly impacts the lymphatic system and its ability to drain excess fluid.