Which finding indicates that a client has phlebitis related to an intravenous (IV) catheter?

The finding that indicates a client has phlebitis related to an intravenous (IV) catheter is characterized by a hard vein and redness around the insertion site. This manifestation results from the inflammation process that occurs in the vein when irritation or trauma happens, typically due to the catheter. The hardness of the vein indicates that there may be swelling and an inflammatory response occurring within the vascular tissue. The presence of redness, or erythema, suggests that there is likely increased blood flow to the area as part of the inflammatory response, which can manifest as part of phlebitis.

In considering why the other options do not indicate phlebitis: localized swelling at the insertion site might also be indicative of infiltration or an infection rather than phlebitis specifically; increased temperature at the site may suggest infection rather than the inflammation caused directly by the catheter; and an area that is cool to the touch generally suggests compromised circulation or could indicate a different issue such as infiltration or extravasation rather than phlebitis.