Which symptom best indicates IV phlebitis?

• A. Redness, warmth, tenderness along the vein.
• B. Swelling at the site without redness.
• C. Cough.
• D. Hyperglycemia.

Answer: (A)

Recognizing localized inflammatory signs of IV phlebitis. IV phlebitis is inflammation of a vein from an IV catheter, and its hallmark is irritation along the vein with visible signs of inflammation. The best indicator is redness, warmth, and tenderness along the path of the vein where the IV is placed. Redness shows inflammation in the surrounding tissue, warmth comes from increased blood flow to the irritated area, and tenderness reflects vein wall irritation. Among the options, those symptoms together along the vein most accurately point to phlebitis.

Swelling at the site without redness can suggest infiltration or edema rather than true phlebitis. Cough and hyperglycemia are unrelated to a localized venous inflammatory process.