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?

Choice A rationale Measuring capillary glucose assesses glycemic control, which is important in diabetes management, but it does not directly provide data to support signs of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), such as shiny skin and absent hair growth on the lower legs. These findings are indicative of impaired blood flow, not necessarily immediate glucose levels. Choice B rationale Shiny skin and lack of hair on the lower legs in a client with diabetes are classic signs of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), resulting from compromised blood flow due to atherosclerosis. Palpating the dorsalis pedis pulses directly assesses arterial perfusion to the feet, providing crucial objective data to support the presence and severity of PAD. Normal pulse strength is 2+. Choice C rationale Asking about weakness or hunger assesses symptoms of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, which are metabolic complications of diabetes. While important for overall diabetes management, these symptoms do not directly relate to or provide further data for the observed integumentary changes indicative of compromised peripheral circulation. Choice D rationale Comparing the range of motion of both legs assesses musculoskeletal integrity and joint function. While mobility can be affected by diabetic neuropathy or arthropathy, it does not directly provide additional data for the observed changes in skin and hair, which are specifically linked to vascular insufficiency in the lower extremities.