Which assessment finding is most indicative of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

Unilateral leg swelling and tenderness are classic signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This condition commonly occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. When DVT is present, it often leads to observable swelling in one leg, as the obstruction of venous return causes fluid accumulation. Along with swelling, tenderness can be present in the affected area, making these symptoms particularly indicative of DVT.

In the context of the other options, ascites relates to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, which is not directly associated with DVT. Redness of both legs could indicate various conditions, such as venous insufficiency or generalized inflammation, but it lacks the specificity to DVT versus unilateral symptoms. An elevated blood pressure can result from numerous factors unrelated to DVT and doesn’t provide the focused assessment necessary to suggest this particular condition. Hence, the combination of unilateral swelling and tenderness is most characteristic when assessing for DVT.