Answer
The component of bulk flow that would be most directly affected is the interstitial fluid hydrostatic pressure-- HPif.
Work Step by Step
The most important force that accounts for bulk flow of fluids from the blood vessels is the high capillary hydrostatic pressured --HPc-- at the arterial end of the capillary beds. Normally, most of the leaked fluid -but not all-- is returned to the blood stream at the venous end of the capillary bed. The balance or residual few milliliters are returned to the blood by lymphatics. In the case of this patient, however, the axillary lymphatics have been removed and so lymphatic drainage of her right arm and axilla is impaired. Consequently, the residual fluid accumulates in her right upper limb, and lymphedema develops.
Pressure from a compression sleeve would halt or decrease the bulk flow of fluid from the arterial end by counteracting and overpowering the HPc of the blood in that area. This would be especially effective if manual massage had been applied to move fluid out of the area before application of the compression garments. The the compression garment would also move fluid distally in the limb to where lymphatics are still intact and functioning.
Fluid moved out of the axillary area would be picked up by intact lymphatics lower in the right arm, and slowly returned to the blood circulation.. Over time lymphatics will regrow in the axillary area-- dispensing with the need for manual massage and compression garments.
