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. The client has cyanosis of the nail beds and pain along the vein is more indicative of impaired circulation or venous obstruction rather than phlebitis. Cyanosis signals decreased oxygenation, not inflammation of the vein. B. The client's skin is cool to the touch around the insertion site suggests infiltration, where IV fluid is leaking into the surrounding tissue, rather than phlebitis. In phlebitis, the area is typically warm. C. Purulent drainage is noted at the catheter insertion site indicates a local infection or catheter-related bloodstream infection, not phlebitis. While infection can accompany phlebitis, the hallmark signs are redness, tenderness, and vein hardness rather than pus. D. The vein is hard and the skin around the insertion site is red is characteristic of phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. Phlebitis presents with localized redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, and a palpable hard vein along the path of the IV. Early identification allows the nurse to discontinue the IV, apply appropriate interventions such as warm compresses, and prevent further complications such as thrombophlebitis or infection.