A patient with decreased resistance to infection reports paresthesia and heaviness in the right upper extremity. The patient's signs and symptoms are most closely associated with which condition?

The signs and symptoms described in the question, including decreased resistance to infection, paresthesia, and heaviness in the right upper extremity, are most closely associated with lymphedema.

Lymphedema occurs when there is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid, typically due to lymphatic system dysfunction. This can result from a number of factors, such as surgical removal of lymph nodes, radiation therapy, or certain infections that affect the lymphatic system. The accumulation of fluid can lead to swelling, which often presents as a feeling of heaviness in the affected limb, as well as neurological symptoms such as paresthesia due to pressure on adjacent nerves or inadequate blood flow.

In the context of decreased resistance to infection, patients with lymphedema are at increased risk because the impaired lymphatic system can hinder the body's ability to clear pathogens and fight off infections. This can lead to a cycle where inflammation from infections exacerbates the lymphedema, causing further complications.

By understanding the connection between the symptoms and lymphedema, healthcare providers can make informed decisions about treatment and management for patients presenting with this condition.