What assessment finding most commonly indicates a catheter-associated thrombosis?

Swelling or pain in the affected arm or limb is the assessment finding that most commonly indicates a catheter-associated thrombosis. This is because a thrombosis leads to impaired venous return and can cause venous obstruction, resulting in noticeable swelling in the affected area. Additionally, the presence of pain occurs due to inflammation and pressure on surrounding tissues as the thrombus develops.

The other signs mentioned may suggest different complications. Redness around the insertion site is often more related to infection or phlebitis rather than thrombosis. Fever and chills typically indicate an infectious process rather than a thrombotic event. Increased heart rate can be a generalized response to many factors, including pain or anxiety, and is not specific to catheter-associated thrombosis. Thus, the combination of localized swelling and pain is the most reliable indicator for identifying a potential catheter-associated thrombosis.