While assessing a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), the nurse observes an absence of hair growth on the client's lower legs. Which assessment provides further data to support this finding?

A. The absence of hair growth on the lower legs is a potential sign of peripheral neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes. Assessing the skin for other signs of neuropathy, such as dryness, cracking, or calluses, would provide further evidence to support this diagnosis. B. While this might indicate neuropathy, it's not as direct a correlation as the skin appearance. C. Assessing pulses helps to evaluate peripheral circulation, but it doesn't directly address the issue of hair loss, which is more related to nerve damage. D. Ecchymosis can indicate a bleeding disorder or trauma, not necessarily neuropathy.