Which of the following should the nurse perform to assess the arterial function of the lower extremities?

A. Pretibial edema: Edema is more indicative of venous function, not arterial function. B. Palpate pedal pulses bilaterally: Palpation of the pedal pulses is essential to assess arterial circulation in the lower extremities. C. Allen test: This assesses arterial blood flow to the hand, not the lower extremities. D. Homan sign: Homan sign is used (though controversial) to assess for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is related to venous, not arterial, function.