ACOLS Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) Training Practice Test

Lymphedema-related swelling is driven by the backup of lymphatic fluid, which carries a relatively high protein content. When drainage is blocked, protein-rich lymph leaks into the surrounding tissues, so the edema consists of protein-rich fluid. This contrasts with fluid that is protein-free or with other fluids like air or blood that don't describe the interstitial edema in lymphedema.