What assessment finding would indicate possible deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in a patient with a lower extremity injury?

Swelling, pain, and redness in the affected leg are classic signs associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). When a blood clot forms in a deep vein, often in the legs, it can lead to localized inflammation and obstruction of blood flow. This results in swelling due to fluid accumulation and engorgement of the affected vein. The inflammation can cause pain, as well as redness or discoloration of the skin due to increased blood flow and the body's inflammatory response.

Recognizing these symptoms is crucial, as DVT can lead to significant complications like a pulmonary embolism if the clot dislodges and travels to the lungs. Therefore, when assessing a patient with a lower extremity injury, the presence of swelling, pain, and redness should prompt immediate further evaluation for DVT.

Temperature increase in the affected limb may occur with inflammation but is not as specific as the combination of swelling, pain, and redness. Numbness in the affected leg is concerning for nerve involvement but does not directly indicate DVT. Similarly, limited range of motion in the ankle might suggest injury or swelling but does not point specifically to DVT.