Following a fractured left tibia, which necessitated placement of long leg cast, a client is using crutches to ambulate. During an orthopedic follow-up visit, a client reports to the nurse having difficulty managing the crutches. Which assessment should the nurse perform?

A. Capillary refill time assessment is more relevant for circulatory status and would not directly address the client's difficulty with crutch management. B. Palpating for dependent edema would not provide information directly related to the client's ability to use crutches. C. Assessing skin elasticity is not directly related to the client's ability to manage crutches. D. Strength in the hands and forearms is essential for proper crutch use, as these muscles bear much of the weight while ambulating with crutches.