Which assessment finding indicates a complication in a client with infective endocarditis?

In the context of infective endocarditis, the assessment finding that indicates a complication is flank pain. This condition primarily involves inflammation of the heart valves due to infection, and complications may arise from emboli that can travel to various organs, potentially causing damage. Flank pain may suggest that there are embolic events affecting the kidneys or other structures in the abdomen, which is a serious complication of infective endocarditis.

Infective endocarditis can lead to a range of systemic complications, including renal complications that may manifest as flank pain due to the involvement of the kidneys. Assessing for flank pain could indicate that the patient is experiencing a significant complication of their underlying cardiac condition.

In contrast, findings such as petechial rashes, headache, and fever are more common symptoms associated with infective endocarditis itself rather than indicators of complications. While these symptoms suggest ongoing infection, they do not specifically signal that the complications, such as emboli affecting other organs, are occurring. Therefore, recognizing flank pain as a potential complication offers critical insight into the patient's overall condition and management needs.