Which assessment finding may indicate the presence of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition characterized by the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs. The presence of redness and swelling in the affected leg is a classic symptom associated with DVT. Inflammation and increased blood flow to the site of the clot can cause the affected area to become swollen and may lead to a change in skin color, often appearing red.

The other assessment findings are less indicative of DVT. Coolness of the limb can suggest reduced blood flow, which may occur in other conditions, but is not a typical finding associated with the presence of a clot. Bradycardia, or a slower than normal heart rate, does not directly relate to the occurrence of DVT and may indicate other cardiovascular issues. Increased appetite is not a symptom associated with DVT and instead relates to gastrointestinal function, which is irrelevant in this context. Therefore, the observed redness and swelling in the leg aligns most closely with the clinical signs expected in a patient experiencing a DVT.