A nurse is collecting data from a client who has an intravenous (IV) catheter in her left forearm. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings indicates the client has phlebitis?

Rationale: A. Cyanosis of the nail beds and pain along the vein is incorrect because cyanosis indicates poor oxygenation, not phlebitis. While pain along the vein may occur in phlebitis, cyanosis is not characteristic. B. The client's skin is cool to the touch around the insertion site is incorrect because coolness and pallor are typical signs of infiltration, where IV fluid leaks into surrounding tissue, rather than inflammation of the vein. C. Purulent drainage is noted at the catheter insertion site is incorrect because purulent drainage is a sign of infection at the insertion site. Phlebitis can become infected, but purulence specifically indicates local infection rather than simple vein inflammation. D. The vein is hard and the skin around the insertion site is red is correct because these are classic signs of phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. Additional signs may include warmth, tenderness, swelling, and sometimes a palpable cord along the vein. Phlebitis can be caused by mechanical irritation from the catheter, chemical irritation from IV medications or fluids, or infection.