What assessment finding would most likely be present in a patient with deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

In the context of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the most significant assessment finding is unilateral swelling of the leg. This occurs because the thrombus obstructs blood flow in the affected vein, leading to an accumulation of fluid due to increased venous pressure. The swelling can be accompanied by other findings such as tenderness, pain, warmth, and sometimes a change in color; however, the hallmark of DVT is the distinct swelling in one leg rather than both.

While pallor, fever, and localized rash can be associated with other vascular or inflammatory conditions, they are not the primary indicators of DVT. Pallor may suggest issues like poor perfusion but is not a characteristic feature of DVT. Fever could occur in the context of a thrombotic event if there is an associated inflammatory response or if there are complications like an infection. A localized rash is typically related to dermatologic conditions or superficial venous issues rather than deep vein pathology. Therefore, unilateral swelling serves as a clear and defining symptom for identifying a patient with DVT.