What finding would best indicate that an intravenous line has infiltrated?

The best indication that an intravenous line has infiltrated is when the client reports that the arm is painful. Infiltration occurs when the IV fluid leaks out of the vein and into the surrounding tissue, which can lead to symptoms such as pain, swelling, and tenderness at the site. The client’s experience of pain is a direct indication that the IV may not be functioning properly due to infiltration.

While an empty IV bag may suggest that fluids are no longer being delivered, it does not confirm infiltration. A clean IV site does not provide any information regarding the status of the IV, and difficulty in moving the arm could stem from various causes unrelated to an IV line issue. Therefore, the report of pain is a key symptom that effectively points to infiltration, making it the correct and most relevant choice.