The nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer. Which assessment finding is related to advanced stage ovarian cancer?

A. A mass in the mediastinum can compress the trachea or major blood vessels, leading to shortness of breath, particularly when the patient is in a supine position (lying flat). This symptom is indicative of significant obstruction or compression, making it a key sign.
B. While lymphadenopathy (swelling of lymph nodes) is a hallmark of Hodgkin's Lymphoma, it does not specifically indicate the presence of a mediastinal mass. Lymph nodes can swell throughout the body, including cervical, axillary, and inguinal regions, but this symptom is more general and not exclusive to mediastinal involvement.
C. Low-grade fevers can occur in Hodgkin's Lymphoma due to systemic effects of the cancer, such as cytokine release. However, this symptom is nonspecific and does not directly indicate a mediastinal mass. It is more indicative of the body's response to cancer rather than localized effects.
D. Drenching night sweats are another common systemic symptom associated with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Like low-grade fevers, night sweats are part of the B symptoms that can occur with lymphoma but are not specifically indicative of a mediastinal mass.

A. Bacitracin is an antibiotic ointment typically used to prevent or treat bacterial infections in minor cuts and scrapes. It is not appropriate for treating a pruritic rash associated with GVHD. The rash may not be due to an infection but rather an immune response, so using bacitracin would not address the underlying issue.
B. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and hydroxyzine are antihistamines that can help alleviate itching and provide relief from pruritus. Requesting a prescription for one of these medications is an appropriate response to manage the symptoms of GVHD.
C. Showering with cool water can soothe irritated skin and reduce itching. Using mild soap helps to avoid further irritation or dryness that harsher soaps can cause. This intervention supports skin care and helps manage pruritus effectively.
D. Clipping fingernails can help prevent skin damage from scratching, which could lead to secondary infections. Encouraging the use of prescribed lotions can help keep the skin moisturized and alleviate dryness, further addressing the pruritus associated with GVHD.