The nurse observes that the lower legs of a client with diabetes mellitus are shiny, and with no hair growth. To obtain additional data to support these findings, which assessment should the nurse perform?

A. Compare the range of motion of both legs. While range of motion assessment is useful in evaluating joint or neuromuscular conditions, it does not directly relate to the observed shiny skin and hair loss, which suggest circulatory insufficiency. B. Palpate the client's dorsalis pedis pulses. Shiny skin and loss of hair on the lower legs are classic signs of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a common complication of diabetes mellitus due to poor circulation. Checking the dorsalis pedis pulses helps assess arterial blood flow to the lower extremities. C. Ask if the client often feels weak or hungry. Weakness or hunger could indicate hypoglycemia, but they are unrelated to vascular changes observed in this case. The focus should be on assessing circulation rather than glucose regulation at this moment. D. Measure the client's capillary glucose. While blood sugar control is critical for diabetes management, the observed skin changes suggest vascular impairment rather than acute hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Circulatory assessment is the priority.